Here is comprehensive information about Croatia Airlines (ICAO: CTN):
Croatia Airlines Ltd. is the national flag carrier of Croatia, established on August 7, 1989, originally as Zagal - Zagreb Airlines, before officially becoming Croatia Airlines in 1990/1991. The airline commenced domestic jet services in 1991 by leasing a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 and launched its first international flight from Zagreb to Frankfurt on April 5, 1992. Its headquarters are located in Zagreb, with its main operational base at Zagreb International Airport (Franjo Tuđman Airport). The airline also identifies Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar as focus cities for its operations.
The airline is currently undergoing a significant fleet modernization program. Historically, its fleet has comprised Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, and De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 turboprop aircraft. Croatia Airlines is transitioning to an all-Airbus A220 fleet, with the first new Airbus A220 aircraft delivered in 2024 and additional deliveries planned through 2027, aiming for a total fleet of up to 15 A220 aircraft. The airline primarily operates domestic flights within Croatia and an extensive international network connecting Croatian cities with numerous destinations across Europe.
Since November 2004, Croatia Airlines has been a proud member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, providing its passengers with access to a vast global network and enhanced connectivity. The airline offers services primarily in Economy Class and Business Class. In Business Class on its Airbus aircraft, a flexible cabin setup often includes a neutralized middle seat for added comfort. Passengers in Economy Class typically receive complimentary snacks and beverages during flights.
Recent traveler reviews for Croatia Airlines offer a mixed but often critical perspective on the airline's services.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, the sentiment surrounding Croatia Airlines is polarized. While some travelers have positive experiences regarding punctuality and included services, a significant number express dissatisfaction, primarily concerning operational inconsistencies like delays and cancellations, coupled with what they perceive as subpar customer service and aging aircraft.
Croatia Airlines maintains a strong safety record, notably with no fatal accidents in its history. Despite this, like any airline, it has experienced minor incidents, including an APU fire indication in 2019, an engine shut down in flight in 2018, an unsafe gear indication in 2018, and a reported hole in the fuselage in 2022.
The airline holds key regulatory certifications that underscore its commitment to safety. It is certified under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program, an internationally recognized system for assessing airline operational management and control. Croatia Airlines is not listed on the European Union (EU) safety blacklist and has the necessary endorsements or permissions from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
While the airline is currently modernizing its fleet, its existing aircraft had an average age of approximately 18.6 years as of January 2023. The airline states that special attention is paid to aircraft maintenance to ensure the highest safety standards.
Based on available data, Croatia Airlines consistently receives a high safety assessment. It has been awarded the maximum 7-star safety rating by AirlineRatings.com, a leading safety and product rating agency. This top rating places it among the world's safest airlines, a recognition it has held since at least 2014.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPU → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
200 | 153 mi | BCS3 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DBV → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
196 | 246 mi | A319 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SPU → MUC |
Munich Int'l
Munich
|
83 | 397 mi | DH8D | Dec 10, 2025 |
| PUY → ZAD |
Zadar
Zadar
|
75 | 89 mi | DH8D | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SPU → FRA |
Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
|
64 | 579 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| ZAD → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
57 | 118 mi | DH8D | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SPU → FCO |
Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l)
Rome
|
49 | 238 mi | BCS1 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| ZAD → PUY |
Pula
Pula
|
47 | 89 mi | DH8D | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DBV → FRA |
Frankfurt Int'l
Frankfurt am Main
|
43 | 694 mi | A319 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| PUY → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
42 | 120 mi | DH8D | Dec 10, 2025 |
| ZRH → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
37 | 376 mi | DH8D | Dec 6, 2025 |
| SPU → ZRH |
Zurich (Kloten)
Zurich
|
31 | 463 mi | DH8D | Dec 10, 2025 |
| RJK → MUC |
Munich Int'l
Munich
|
24 | 254 mi | DH8D | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ZAG → DBV |
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
|
21 | 458 mi | A319 | Nov 20, 2025 |
| SJJ → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
19 | 173 mi | DH8D | Nov 16, 2025 |
| BRU → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
19 | 640 mi | A320 | Oct 17, 2025 |
| SKP → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
19 | 381 mi | BCS3 | Aug 29, 2025 |
| SPU → CPH |
Copenhagen
Copenhagen
|
19 | 851 mi | A319 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| SPU → DUB |
Dublin Int'l
Dublin
|
16 | 1232 mi | A320 | Oct 5, 2025 |
| DBV → FCO |
Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l)
Rome
|
16 | 313 mi | A319 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ZAG → SPU |
Split
Split
|
16 | 416 mi | DH8D | Nov 20, 2025 |
| SPU → IST |
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul
|
16 | 653 mi | A320 | Nov 30, 2025 |
| OMO → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
15 | 191 mi | DH8D | Dec 7, 2025 |
| VIE → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
15 | 165 mi | DH8D | Dec 9, 2025 |
| FRA → ZAG |
Zagreb Pleso
Zagreb
|
13 | 457 mi | A319 | Nov 19, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.