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Pula Airport confirms stable growth in passenger traffic during the peak season. Key international markets confirm the strengthening of Istria’s connectivity, with the largest passenger growth coming from the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Serbia.

During July, Pula Airport continued its positive trend of passenger traffic growth, confirming the ongoing stabilization of traffic and a successful entry into the main part of the tourist season. As of July 31st, 301,792 passengers passed through Pula Airport. The results confirm the continuation of the positive trend that began in June, despite April and May being marked by fewer flight operations due to a later start of operations by some airlines compared to last year.

The largest number of passengers continues to come from the United Kingdom and Germany, with an increase of over 10,000 passengers from the UK and over 8,300 passengers from Germany compared to the same period last year. At the same time, significant growth was also achieved in the Danish and Serbian markets. This confirms the further strengthening of Istria’s international connectivity and clearly highlights the importance of diversifying source markets as one of the key prerequisites for the long-term resilience of regional airports.

Pula Airport Director Nina Vojnić Žagar emphasized that the results validate the long-term strategic approach to the airport’s development: “This year’s season has its own specific dynamics. April and May were characterized by a later start of operations by some airlines, but from June onwards, we have recorded continuous traffic growth, which also continued throughout July. Such results confirm that the activities we are carrying out together with airlines and the tourism sector are yielding results and that traffic is intensifying as expected during the peak of the tourist season. Our goal is not to focus exclusively on a single season or a single month, but to create the prerequisites for the long-term sustainable development of Pula Airport. We continue to work on developing new markets, strengthening international connectivity, and increasing the airport’s competitiveness, as quality air connectivity is a crucial prerequisite for the further development of tourism and the economy of Istria, as well as Croatia.”

During the summer flight schedule, Pula Airport is connected to numerous European destinations via several international airlines, while the highest traffic intensity is traditionally achieved during July and August. The results of the core part of the tourist season will therefore have a crucial impact on the overall annual business performance indicators.

At a time when European aviation is undergoing significant market changes, Pula Airport continues to develop its international connectivity, strengthen partnerships with airlines, and create the prerequisites for long-term sustainable development, for the benefit of passengers, the tourism sector, and the overall economy of Istria.

Key Indicators for the Period Jan 1 – Jul 31, 2026:

• 301,792 passengers by July 31
• Growth of over 10,400 passengers from the United Kingdom market
• Growth of over 8,300 passengers from the German market
• Traffic growth from Denmark (+2,082 passengers)
• Traffic growth from Serbia (+2,346 passengers)

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, also known as DJ Diesel, landed in Pula today and is set to perform tonight at the ATP Croatia Open in Umag.

In recent years, the legendary NBA center has built a name for himself on the global DJ scene, so there is no doubt he will thrill the crowd at Umag’s popular Dance Arena.

This isn’t his first visit to Croatia, and just how much he enjoys his trips here is clear from his charming remark that his friends in Croatia call him Shaquille O’Nealović.

So, welcome back, Mr. O’Nealović!

Passenger traffic and revenue growth marked Pula Airport’s operations in 2025, while the business focus remains on strengthening international connectivity and extending the tourist season.

During 2025, Pula Airport continued its positive trend of recovery and development, achieving an 8.8 percent growth in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, alongside an increase in total revenue and the continuation of activities aimed at developing airline routes and improving infrastructure, safety, and sustainability.

In 2025, 554,247 passengers passed through the airport, representing an increase of nearly 45,000 passengers compared to 2024. At the same time, total revenue rose to 9.32 million euros, an increase of almost 10 percent compared to the previous year, while sales revenue grew by more than 12 percent. Total expenditures during 2025 amounted to 10.42 million euros, and the business year concluded with a negative financial result of 1.1 million euros. This outcome is a consequence of increased operating costs present across the entire European aviation sector, continued investments in business development, and the fact that traffic at Pula Airport is still gradually recovering compared to the record year of 2019.

Traffic growth was achieved during a period in which European aviation continues to adapt to changed market circumstances. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global demand for air travel reached record levels in 2025, while Croatian airports, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, recorded an average passenger traffic growth of 6.8 percent. Pula Airport’s growth of 8.8 percent was thus above the national average.

At the same time, Pula Airport’s operations continue to be affected by the specific circumstances of the regional market. Passenger traffic in 2025 reached around 71 percent of the levels from the record year 2019, primarily due to the consequences of the pandemic and the loss of a portion of the market following the start of the war in Ukraine, when Pula Airport lost a significant share of its planned capacities toward Eastern European markets. However, it is important to emphasize that the share of arrivals to the region via Pula Airport has been continuously increasing since 2020 (8.38% in 2019; 2.17% in 2020; 4.19% in 2023; 5.04% in 2024; 5.33% in 2025).

Over the past year, cooperation with existing airlines was further developed, and activities aimed at opening new routes, increasing flight frequencies, and extending operations into the pre-season and post-season continued. Indeed, extending the tourist season is one of the key development priorities, given that high-quality air connectivity represents an important prerequisite for the further development of tourism and the economy of Istria and Croatia.

On the occasion of publishing the results, Nina Vojnić Žagar, Director of Pula Airport, emphasized: “The results achieved in 2025 confirm that Pula Airport is continuing its gradual recovery and development in highly demanding market circumstances. The growth in passenger numbers and revenue shows that activities aimed at strengthening international connectivity and cooperation with partners are yielding results, while we are simultaneously aware that the further development of international connectivity is a long-term process that requires continuous work and cooperation from all partners. Our priority is to continue developing the network of air routes, extending the season, and creating prerequisites for the long-term sustainable development of the Airport, in the interest of Istria, all its citizens, and its economy.”

Aware of its role, Pula Airport continues to develop its business while improving relationships with the tourism sector, local and regional government units, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Istria County Tourist Board, and other stakeholders, with the aim of jointly strengthening the destination’s international accessibility and achieving common goals.

Special emphasis during 2025 was placed on investments in safety and the modernization of operational infrastructure. In cooperation with the Ministry, funds amounting to 490,000 euros were secured for the procurement of a tractor and mowing equipment, an X-ray device for cargo inspection, and floodlights for apron lighting. These investments contribute to increasing the safety, efficiency, and quality of Pula Airport’s operational work.

Today, regional airports play a much broader role than just serving as transport infrastructure. They represent an important factor in economic development, the competitiveness of tourist destinations, and the international connectivity of the region. In this context, Pula Airport continues to carry out activities focused on long-term sustainable growth, the development of new routes and markets, and creating the prerequisites for an even stronger connection between Istria and European and global destinations, remaining a key driver for the further development of Istria and this part of the region, as well as a crucial component of overall Croatian tourism and the economy.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN 2025:

• 554,247 passengers (+8.8% compared to 2024)
• 9.32 million euros in total revenue (+10%)
• 8.61 million euros in sales revenue (+12.2%)
• 68.7% of revenue generated in the international market
• Business result: -1.1 million euros
• 8,038 aircraft operations
• Traffic reached 71% of the 2019 level
• Passenger traffic growth above the Croatian average (8.8% vs. 6.8%)
• Continued activities to develop new routes and extend the season (extending existing routes into the pre-season and post-season and increasing their frequencies, as well as intensifying negotiations with carriers that have the capacity to open new routes in the future period).

Ahead of his spectacular concert at the Arena, the King of Latin Pop was welcomed by our Matea—and we’re all a little jealous of her work ‘assignments’ right now.

Thank you, Ricky, for this wonderful memory.

Once again, he proved that he is a true star and a gentleman!

Bienvenido, Ricky!

Readiness, professionalism, and expertise – these are the hallmarks of our firefighting team at Pula Airport. 365 days a year, they ensure the safety of every passenger, crew member, and aircraft.

Today, on St. Florian’s Day, we would like to wish a Happy Firefighters’ Day to all firefighters, and especially to our own dedicated unit!

The first Saturday in May was exceptionally busy at Pula Airport, marking the start of increased traffic and the return of some of our most significant airline partners. Accompanied by passenger smiles and high occupancy, the apron was once again filled with the iconic liveries of TUI, Jet2.com, and easyJet.

New Routes and Network Expansion: Jet2.com

We are particularly proud of the arrival of Jet2.com’s aircraft on their brand-new route from London Gatwick. This marks just the beginning of their network expansion in Pula this season, as we look forward to welcoming the first passengers from East Midlands by the end of the month. As a reminder, this carrier also offers direct flights from Pula to Manchester and Birmingham.

The Return of TUI and the “Orange” Wings

We were also delighted to welcome back TUI, which connected Pula with three key British cities in a single day: London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

At the same time, the signature orange livery is back on our apron thanks to easyJet. Our long-standing partner launched the season with a flight from Bristol, and in the coming weeks, they will continue to connect us with major European hubs, including: London, Glasgow, Berlin, Basel, Amsterdam.

The warmest welcome is the one with a smile. Our flight attendants send you holiday greetings from Pula Airport – may this Easter be filled with peace, joy, and clear skies.

We wish these holidays to be like a perfectly smooth flight — filled with warmth, joy, and cheer in the company of your loved ones.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Pula Airport

Pula Airport has taken a new step in enhancing aviation safety by introducing a new off-road vehicle for its Wildlife Control team – an elite four-legged unit of Border Collies.

Gibs, Zita and Istra – dogs responsible for dispersing birds from the runway – are now patrolling in a new Toyota Hilux. In this way, Pula Airport is fully prepared to welcome the upcoming season with strengthened operational readiness and safety standards.

The contribution of our four-legged team is invaluable

“Our Border Collie specialists are our first line of safety. They tirelessly protect the runway, as bird strikes pose a serious threat to aviation safety. By investing in a new vehicle, we are ensuring optimal working conditions for our operators so they can perform this crucial task with maximum efficiency,” said Nina Vojnić Žagar, Pula Airport CEO.

The new vehicle enables fast and safe transport of the dogs across the entire airport area and in all weather conditions, ensuring that Gibs and the team arrive exactly where they are needed.

A game that guarantees safety

Pula Airport CEO emphasized that although dispersing birds may appear to the dogs primarily as a game or a challenge, their contribution to the safety of passengers and aircraft is invaluable.

“Our focus is on investing in safety and modernization, while at the same time demonstrating our care for those who play a key role in ensuring our passengers’ peace of mind. This team of dogs, together with their dedicated handler, performs an exceptionally important and demanding job, and they have now been provided with a vehicle worthy of their status,” Vojnić Žagar concluded.

Acknowledgement of partners

The project has been successfully implemented in cooperation with Securitas Hrvatska, and Pula Airport would like to extend special thanks to their staff for their professional support and coordination.

We hereby inform all users that parking fees at Parking A – Long term (for both natural and legal persons) will be waived until March 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Note:

For all vehicles that enter the parking lot within the specified period of free use, but do not leave the area of Parking A by the end of March 28, 2026, at 18:00, payment will be made in accordance with the valid Price List. In this case, the start of service provision (and billing calculation) will be considered to be March 28, 2026, at 18:00:01.

The text of the decision can be read HERE.