Hvar/Jelsa Seaplane Base

Regulatory and Safety Issues. The base's sole operator, European Coastal Airlines (ECA), had its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) suspended and subsequently revoked by the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) in August 2016. The grounding followed a safety inspection that reportedly found significant concerns, including issues with maintenance records, aircraft condition (corrosion), and operational procedures. The immediate and indefinite suspension of flights forced the airline into bankruptcy, leading to the permanent closure of all its bases, including Jelsa.

The site has reverted to its previous function as a standard part of the Jelsa harbor waterfront (Riva). The physical infrastructure was minimal, consisting mainly of a floating pontoon for docking and a small check-in kiosk. The pontoon is now used for the mooring of private boats, yachts, and local tour vessels. All branding and specific operational infrastructure related to the seaplane service have been removed.

The Hvar/Jelsa Seaplane Base was a crucial part of the first modern scheduled seaplane service in Europe, operated by European Coastal Airlines from 2014 to 2016. Its significance was transformative for tourism and transport on the island of Hvar. Using De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter floatplanes, the service connected Jelsa directly with key hubs like Split Airport and other Adriatic islands (e.g., Korčula, Lastovo). The flight from Split Airport to Jelsa took only 13 minutes, a dramatic reduction from the 2-3 hours required by traditional bus and ferry transfers. This provided a fast, convenient, and scenic travel option that was immensely popular with tourists, significantly enhancing the accessibility and appeal of Hvar.

Uncertain. Since the demise of European Coastal Airlines, there have been multiple reports and announcements from various investor groups and potential new airlines about reviving seaplane services in Croatia. The demand and business case for connecting the islands and coast efficiently remain strong. However, as of early 2024, none of these initiatives have successfully navigated the complex regulatory landscape to launch sustained, scheduled operations. While the prospect of a new seaplane service returning to Jelsa is occasionally discussed, there are no concrete, active plans or a confirmed timeline for its reopening.