Croatia Airlines (OU) has warned of a tough winter ahead as seasonally weaker demand coincides with the ongoing transition to an all-Airbus A220 fleet. In its latest report, the carrier identifies delays in delivery, maintenance constraints and spare parts shortages among its main challenges, along with volatile fuel prices and limited scope to pass increased costs on to passengers.
What the weather warnings mean for Croatia Airlines
The warning comes as the airline prepares to take delivery of its final two A220s, while reporting a net loss of 64.7 million during the first three quarters of 2026.
After discontinuing two routes this summer, Croatia Airlines has struggled to withstand the harsh weather conditions. The Croatian carrier said:
“In the final quarter of 2026, characterised by the transition to the winter timetable and seasonally lower demand for air travel, these risks could place additional pressure on the company’s operations”.
Managing costs and adapting to the changing market conditions remain the key priorities of the airline.
Croatia Airlines disclosed that accumulated delays to its Airbus A220 deliveries amount to 73 months. This figure represents the total delays affecting aircraft deliveries. The company said:
“Deliveries of new Airbus A220 aircraft to Croatia Airlines have already been postponed several times by the manufacturer. At present, cumulative delays for Airbus A220 aircraft amount to 73 months”.
“Such uncertainty significantly complicates operational planning and creates substantial cost exposure”.
The airline warns that deviations from the delivery timetable can reduce available capacity and result in flight cancellations. Knock-on effects are seen with maintenance planning, resource allocation and network optimisation. It also noted that managing three different aircraft types during the transition will require additional coordination and adjustments to operational procedures.
Aircraft deliveries for Croatia Airlines
Despite these warnings, the carrier is approaching the completion of its A220 deliveries. Following the arrival of two A220-300s in October, Croatia Airlines had received 13 aircraft from its fifteen-strong order.
A further A220-300 is expected before the end of the year, with the final aircraft scheduled to arrive during the first quarter of 2027. The new arrivals are being accompanied by the withdrawal of older aircraft. Two Airbus A319s, registered 9A-CTG and 9A-CTH, were returned to their owners last month.
Neither aircraft is currently scheduled to operate any flights thereafter.
Croatia is a summer holiday country. Should an airline there be expected to fly much at all between October and April?
