Pula Seaplane Terminal

Regulatory action leading to economic failure. The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) grounded the entire fleet of European Coastal Airlines, the sole operator, citing significant safety concerns. These included issues with maintenance practices, aircraft condition, and operational procedures. The prolonged grounding and subsequent revocation of the airline's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) led to its financial collapse and the permanent closure of all its bases, including Pula.

The site is no longer an active seaplane terminal. All dedicated infrastructure, including the specific pontoon for the seaplanes and the small shoreside check-in kiosk/office, has been removed. The location on the main Pula waterfront (Riva) has been fully returned to its use as a public promenade and part of the city's marina, used for mooring yachts and other boats.

The Pula Seaplane Terminal was a key northern hub in the ambitious network of European Coastal Airlines, which operated from 2015 to 2016. It was part of the first modern scheduled seaplane service in Europe, aiming to revolutionize travel along Croatia's extensive coastline. Operating with De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft on floats, the terminal connected Pula with key destinations like the islands of Rab and Hvar (Jelsa), and the city of Split. The service provided a significantly faster and more direct travel option compared to ferries and road transport, reviving a historic mode of transport in the Adriatic in a modern context.

Uncertain but with recurring interest. Since the demise of ECA, there have been multiple announcements from different entities, including a new venture named 'Air-Sea Lines' by the original ECA founder, about relaunching seaplane services in Croatia. These plans often include Pula as a potential destination. However, as of early 2024, these initiatives have faced significant regulatory and financial hurdles and have not yet resulted in the resumption of scheduled flights. While the prospect of seaplane travel returning to Croatia remains, there are no concrete, operational plans for the immediate reopening of the Pula terminal.