Croatia Airlines recorded a historic first quarter in terms of passenger numbers, driven by strong capacity growth, but has also introduced crisis management measures amid the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Croatian carrier handled just over 405.000 passengers between January and March, representing a 22% increase on 2025 figures, or an additional 74.000 travellers. Although the airline did not disclose its average cabin load factor for the period, it is estimated to have hovered around 60% based on available capacity. During the first quarter, Croatia Airlines expanded its capacity levels by 17.7% as it continues its transition to an all-Airbus A220 fleet, while the number of operated flights grew by a more modest 1.4%. During the ongoing second quarter of the year, Croatia Airlines has an 8.3% increase in capacity, complemented by a 5.8% increase in scheduled flights.
The airline has warned that the ongoing war in the Middle East will impact its bottom line. During the first quarter of last year, the carrier registered a 15.9 million euro loss. Its financial performance for Q1 2026 will be made public at the end of the month. However, Croatia Airlines said, “Fuel remains one of the largest operating costs in the aviation industry, and recent market disruptions have led to a significant increase in prices. Volatility in energy markets is directly impacting the operations of all airlines, including Croatia Airlines, and the current situation is expected to affect business performance in the period ahead, as is the case across the global aviation industry, which is highly dependent on energy prices as well as the stability and security of the international environment”.
In order to mitigate the impacts of rising costs, Croatia Airlines has introduced crisis management mechanisms, including optimising operations, managing costs and revenues and maintaining network stability and overall business continuity. The airline is discontinuing five routes this summer and has reduced frequencies on select services. Geopolitical developments and energy market instability are also affecting the availability and pricing of aircraft spare parts, with increasing demand from the defence sector further exacerbating the situation. “For decades, Croatia Airlines has ensured the country’s connectivity with Europe and the wider world, reaffirming its key role in the mobility of citizens and the development of Croatia’s tourism and economy. This is particularly evident in challenging and unpredictable circumstances, when the airline places its full capacity in service of the public interest, further underlining the importance of the national carrier – a role Croatia Airlines has fulfilled successfully and with pride since the country’s independence”, the company said.
