Split-Resnik Seaplane Base

The closure was a direct result of regulatory action. The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) grounded the entire fleet of the sole operator, European Coastal Airlines (ECA), in August 2016. This decision followed an inspection that revealed significant safety concerns, including issues with maintenance records, aircraft condition, and operational safety procedures. Despite attempts by ECA to rectify the issues, their Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was ultimately suspended and later revoked, leading to the company's bankruptcy and the permanent cessation of all seaplane operations from this base and others in Croatia.

The site is no longer an active seaplane base. All specific seaplane infrastructure, including the floating terminal, passenger pontoons, and docking equipment, has been removed. The location has reverted to its previous state as a coastal area within the Resnik tourist settlement, adjacent to a public beach and the western perimeter of Split Airport (SPU). The land-based check-in facilities have been dismantled or repurposed.

The Split-Resnik Seaplane Base was the central hub and flagship location for European Coastal Airlines (ECA), which launched in 2014. It represented a pioneering effort to re-establish a modern scheduled seaplane service in Europe. The operation was historically significant as it dramatically improved connectivity between the Croatian mainland and its numerous islands. Using De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter amphibious aircraft, ECA offered rapid transport from Split to popular island destinations like Jelsa (Hvar), Korčula, Lastovo, and Rab, as well as other coastal cities. A journey that could take several hours by ferry was reduced to as little as 15-30 minutes by seaplane. The base itself featured a floating terminal and docking platform, providing a unique travel experience directly from the water's edge, adjacent to the main Split International Airport.

There are currently no concrete or publicly announced plans to reopen the Split-Resnik Seaplane Base. The founder of the defunct European Coastal Airlines made several announcements between 2017 and 2020 about securing new investment and relaunching services, but these plans never materialized. The high-profile and controversial failure of ECA, coupled with the stringent regulatory environment that followed, has made it a challenging market for new entrants. While the concept of a seaplane network in Croatia remains appealing for tourism, any future project would need to overcome significant financial and regulatory hurdles. As of now, the prospect of reopening this specific base remains highly uncertain.