Lastovo/Ubli Seaplane Terminal

The terminal's closure was not due to an issue with the facility itself, but was the direct result of the grounding and subsequent collapse of its sole operator, European Coastal Airlines (ECA). In August 2016, the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) revoked ECA's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) citing significant safety and maintenance irregularities. This decision forced the immediate and permanent cessation of all flights across ECA's entire network, including the route to Lastovo/Ubli.

The physical infrastructure of the 'seaplane terminal' was minimal, consisting primarily of a floating pontoon or a designated docking space at the main ferry pier in Ubli harbor. Since the cessation of flights in 2016, this infrastructure has been removed. The location at the provided coordinates has fully reverted to its primary function as the main port for Ubli, serving Jadrolinija ferries, catamarans, and private vessels. There are no remaining signs of the former seaplane operation.

The Lastovo/Ubli Seaplane Terminal was a significant node in the ambitious and pioneering network established by European Coastal Airlines, which began operations in 2014. It was part of the first scheduled seaplane service in modern European history. The terminal connected the remote and beautiful island of Lastovo with major hubs like Split. Operations were conducted with De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft equipped with floats. The service was historically important because it dramatically reduced travel time to one of Croatia's most isolated inhabited islands from 3-5 hours by ferry to about 30 minutes by air. This had a profound, albeit brief, impact on the island's accessibility for tourists and provided a vital, fast link for residents.

There are currently no concrete and operational plans to reopen the seaplane terminal. Since the demise of ECA, there have been multiple reports and expressions of interest from various investors and companies aiming to re-establish a seaplane network in Croatia. Initiatives have been announced, but none have yet resulted in the resumption of a certified, scheduled commercial service to Lastovo or other former destinations. The prospect of reopening is therefore uncertain and contingent on a new operator securing the necessary funding, aircraft, and regulatory approval to launch a viable service.