Seven carriers are set to operate regular wide-body services from former Yugoslav markets during the upcoming summer season, running from March 29 to October 24. A total of 1.836 wide-body flights have been scheduled so far (both directions included), marking a 2.3% increase compared to last year but still 25.8% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The decline is largely attributed to the Croatian market, which, unlike seven years ago, is no longer served by American Airlines, Air Canada Rouge, Emirates, or Korean Air. However, United Airlines will enter another route this year, from Newark to Split.

Belgrade will have the highest volume of wide-body capacity this summer. Air Serbia plans to operate 812 flights to and from its hub using up to four Airbus A330-200 aircraft, marking a 10.9% increase in operations. This summer, the Serbian carrier is adding seasonal flights between Belgrade and Toronto, from May 23 until September 26. Coupled with China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines, which will maintain the same level of operations as in the summer of 2025, Belgrade’s wide-body capacity will grow by 8.2% compared to last year, totalling 283.514 seats.

In Zagreb, South Korean low cost carrier T’way Air has scheduled the resumption of its seasonal flights between Seoul and Zagreb for June 27 with the A330-200, marking its third year of operations to the Croatian capital. Presently, it will have nine fewer roundtrips on the route compared to last year. In addition, Air Transat will return to Zagreb this summer with the same schedule as in 2025, deploying its A330-200 aircraft. Service will resume on May 9, with a total of 106 operations – one roundtrip less than last year. However, the carrier has also scheduled a one-off service between Montreal and Zagreb, which will bring the total number of flights to the Croatian capital to the same level as in 2025. Zagreb’s wide-body capacity will decline 10.2% compared to last year, totalling 61.440 seats.

United Airlines will lead wide-body capacity growth in Croatia this summer. The carrier will maintain its operations between Newark and Dubrovnik with the Boeing 767-400 aircraft and one additional roundtrip compared to last year. United will inaugurate flights between Newark and Split this summer, maintaining three weekly rotations between April 30 and September 7 with its B767-300ER.

Meanwhile, TUI Airways has scheduled a total of 88 wide-body Dubrovnik operations, utilising its Boeing 787-8 aircraft on London Gatwick and Manchester flights, matching last year’s operations. Wide-body services from Manchester will run from May 7 to October 22, while flights from London Gatwick will operate between May 21 and September 24. TUI will restore wide-body operations to Pula this summer, with flights from Birmingham also operated by the Dreamliner from May 9 until October 3, with a total of 44 operations. Overall, Croatia will have 784 scheduled wide-body operations this summer, providing 195.156 seats, an increase of 15.5% compared to the summer of 2025.

Unlike the 2025 summer season, Edelweiss Air has not scheduled wide-body capacity on its Zurich – Pristina service. Last year, the airline deployed both the A340-300 and A350-900 on a regular basis between the two cities.

Changes to wide-body capacity and operations are possible at this stage. The information in the above article is correct as of the date of publication.