Pula Airport (PUY) plans to strengthen its domestic air connectivity as part of Croatia’s four-year Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme. The airport will open new routes and improve its air links, particularly with Split and Dubrovnik.
Marko Ražem, the airport’s newly appointed acting Managing Director, said improving links between Croatia’s coastal airports as well ass well as improved connections within the Croatian interior. The emphasis on developing sustainable year-round services is in practice, rather than strictly seasonal tourist routes.
Four-year programme for domestic routes
Speaking to the local “Glas Istre” newspaper, Mr Ražem noted there was a potential for domestic flights beyond seasonal tourist demand, including business, administrative and personal travel. He sees the journey between Pula and southern Croatia as an opportunity for air transport to provide a more practical alternative.
The airport intends to present its case for domestic connectivity as Croatia prepares its next Public Service Obligation (PSO) tender. This preparation was originally due to commence at the end of Mar. 2026, but has been delayed since the government failed to launch the tender on time. This resulted in a temporary suspension of several domestic routes.
The four-year programme is now expected to be launched in early 2027, approximately nine months behind schedule. After the renewal of Croatia Airlines’ PSO contract, the Croatian government has plans to continue expanding PSOs to support domestic flights.
The PSO programme pre-pandemic levels
The airport is targeting a return to its pre-pandemic passenger traffic levels by 2028. Pula Airport handled approximately 777,000 travellers in 2019 compared to 554,000 last year. Mr Ražem confirmed that rather than relying on a single low-cost carrier, the airport was pursuing a strategy focused on diversifying its airline.
Its preferred traffic mix would comprise 30% to 35% low-cost operations, 30% charter services, and 35% traditional airlines. Prior to the pandemic, Pula was served by 36 airlines offering flights to 67 destinations. The airport believes it can restore a comparable level of connectivity to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2028 if the development plans are implemented correctly.
The airport is negotiating with several airlines, including low-cost, legacy and charter operators. Some discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, and the long-term development programme also envisions a phased modernisation of the passenger terminal.
New computed screening equipment is expected to operate during the first half of December, giving passengers the ability to keep electronic devices and liquids in their hand luggage, subject to certain security measures.
Would you rather take a direct domestic flight than make a long drive along the coast? Share your opinions about this new PSO programme below!
