The new departures passenger terminal was officially presented today (24.07.2026.) at Zadar Airport. It is one of the most important infrastructure projects for the further development of air traffic, tourism and the economy of Zadar County, worth 17 million euros.

The new terminal doubles Zadar Airport’s existing capacity and allows it to handle up to three million passengers a year, creating the conditions for further growth in passenger numbers, the opening of new air routes, expansion into new markets and the development of year-round connectivity.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, together with Deputy Prime Ministers Tomo Medved, Ivan Anušić, Tomislav Ćorić and Oleg Butković, and Minister Alen Ružić.

Prime Minister Plenković pointed out that the development of Zadar Airport, from its beginnings in the late 1960s, through the destruction and devastation of the Homeland War, to today’s systematic investment and strong growth in passenger traffic, represents a major developmental step forward.

“This is a big step forward, not only for Zadar Airport but also for Zadar, Zadar County, its tourism and its economy. This investment, financed by a loan taken out by the airport itself, is part of a wider investment cycle worth around 35 million euros, which also drew on funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan,” Plenković said.

He also stressed that Zadar Airport is the first green airport in Croatia and that its electrification and environmental projects have brought a new level of quality and a new dimension to its operations.

“Connectivity with more than 60 European destinations through more than 15 airlines shows how important Zadar Airport is for the growth of Croatian tourism. The growth in traffic during this tourist season as well confirms how important the arrival of tourists in Croatia by air is,” Plenković said.

“Zadar County is thriving, which can be seen in the number of people employed, the low number of unemployed and the exceptionally good transport connections. Road, motorway, rail and air transport are creating all the infrastructure preconditions for the further strong development of Zadar and Zadar County,” the Prime Minister concluded.

County Prefect Josip Bilaver pointed out that the opening of the new terminal marks the completion of the largest investment in Zadar Airport since its post-war reconstruction, and also the continuation of a wider development cycle that has included modernisation, greening and the construction of a new apron.

“The new passenger terminal will be able to handle up to three million passengers and gives us room for further growth. But this is not the end of the investment. The next major project is the extension of the runway by a further 700 metres, worth around 95 million euros, which will give Zadar Airport a completely new strategic and traffic dimension,” Bilaver said, also announcing the plan to connect the airport to the centre of Zadar by rail. Following the issuing of the location permit for the construction of the railway tunnel that will move the line out of Bibinje, preparations are under way for the continuation of the line towards the terminal itself.

“Our goal is for Zadar to become the first Croatian city directly connected by rail to its airport. In addition, construction of a new air traffic control centre will begin soon, which will create new jobs and further increase the safety of air traffic,” the County Prefect emphasised.

Mayor Šime Erlić assessed the new terminal as a modern developmental step forward for the airport, the City of Zadar and the whole of Zadar County.

“Over the past ten years Zadar Airport has increased its passenger numbers approximately three and a half times, and last year it handled around 1.6 million passengers. The existing terminal had reached its maximum capacity, while the new space allows growth to continue towards three million passengers,” Erlić said.

He pointed out that the airport is the first encounter many visitors have with Zadar and Zadar County, and an important part of their overall impression of the destination.

“From the Homeland War to the present day, Zadar Airport has been one of the most important strategic development assets of this region and a strong factor in tourism and economic development. The new terminal places us alongside modern European airports of the same rank and opens up space for further investment, new routes and new markets,” Erlić said.

The Director of Zadar Airport, Josip Klišmanić, announced the continuation of a strong investment cycle that includes the expansion of parking capacity for rent-a-car vehicles, the construction of a new entrance to the airport, and a new car park with a thousand spaces and a vehicle wash.

“In this way we will further improve operating conditions for the rent-a-car companies, for which Zadar has already become an extremely important hub,” Klišmanić said.

This will be followed by preparations for the largest capital investment at Zadar Airport, the reconstruction and extension of the runway.

“The plan covers the extension of the runway, an increase in its load-bearing capacity and the upgrading of the taxiways, which will considerably increase traffic capacity,” Klišmanić pointed out.

The further development of the airport will also be based on diversification of activities, among them the development of service hangars for aircraft base maintenance. The project has already been presented to the responsible ministry, and support is also expected in the planning of the European Union multiannual financial framework for the period from 2028 to 2034.

“Our goal is to take up a sought-after and underserved niche on the world market. Because of its climatic and meteorological conditions, Zadar has ideal preconditions for the development of such a service centre. Industry interest already exists, and first contacts have been made with the secondary school that trains aircraft technicians,” Klišmanić said.

He added that the development of the service centre would bring new, high-quality and well-paid jobs and open up space for the development of new study programmes and the expansion of the University of Zadar’s activities in the field of aviation.

“The new terminal is not just a building of glass, steel and concrete. It is a symbol of our vision, our ambition and our readiness to keep pace with the highest standards. With the new capacity we are raising the quality of service, safety and passenger comfort, and opening the door wide to new routes, new markets and year-round connectivity,” Klišmanić concluded.

The ceremony was also attended by numerous guests, members of parliament, representatives of cultural and public life, the Croatian Army and the Ministry of the Interior, the aviation sector, and many Zadar Airport employees.