Rab Seaplane Terminal

The terminal's sole operator, European Coastal Airlines (ECA), had its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) suspended by the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency in August 2016 due to significant safety and maintenance concerns. The airline was unable to resolve the issues, leading to a complete cessation of all flight operations and eventual bankruptcy.

The site of the former seaplane terminal has been fully decommissioned. The floating dock, pontoon, and any associated check-in facilities used by European Coastal Airlines have been removed. The location at the specified coordinates has reverted to its previous use as part of the main public harbor and promenade (Riva) in the town of Rab, used for mooring local and tourist boats and for pedestrian access.

The Rab Seaplane Terminal was a vital part of the European Coastal Airlines (ECA) network, which operated from 2014 to 2016. It represented the first modern scheduled seaplane service in Croatia's recent history. The terminal, using a floating pontoon in Rab's main harbor, connected the island with key destinations like Split Airport (SPU), Pula (PUY), and Jelsa on the island of Hvar. Operations were conducted primarily with De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. The service was historically significant as it drastically reduced travel times (e.g., Rab to Split in under an hour vs. 5-6 hours by ferry/bus), providing a major boost for tourism and offering a fast, scenic alternative to traditional maritime transport.

There are no confirmed plans to reopen the specific HR-0037 terminal, as it was an operational point tied to a defunct airline. However, there is recurring interest in re-establishing a seaplane network across the Croatian Adriatic. Several potential operators have announced plans since ECA's collapse, though none have materialized yet. As of early 2024, a German company has expressed concrete interest in launching a new seaplane service in Croatia, potentially starting in 2025, and has been in talks with local municipalities, including Rab. However, these plans remain tentative and are subject to regulatory approval, investment, and infrastructure agreements.