Ryanair announced they will be launching twelve routes from their new base in Zagreb a fortnight ago, but now Croatia Airlines aren’t happy with the decision.
Ryanair’s move to Zagreb Airport
The routes will create connections all over the world and take passengers to Europeans cities such as London, Oslo, Gothenburg, Rome and many more. However, they hope to have even more destinations added to their list by summer 2022. The first two routes from Zagreb to Bergamo and Charleroi will begin this summer, whereas the other ten routes will start in September.
There will be thirty six weekly flights in total to the new connections, and the routes will create sixty new jobs, which is a critical aspect of the plan. As many members of the aviation sector have faced a year of furlough or redundancy, the move could be hugely beneficial to those working for the industry.
This is quite a stark difference to July last year when TUI had to cancel all flights to Croatia. Now, flights are picking up again, signalling hope for the aviation sector.
Croatia Airline Reacts to Ryanair’s Move to Zagreb Airport
However, Croatia Airlines are displeased with Ryanair’s move to Zagreb Airport. The Croatian airline are the biggest carrier for the country and already fly to many of the routes Ryanair are planning to start up on their own aircrafts.
Croatia Airlines regards Ryanair as a competitor, that may be given favourable incentives to fly from Zagreb Airport. As the aviation world is in turmoil due to the pandemic, a new airline opening up on Croatian turf is probably concerning to the airlines trying to get back up in the air again.
Nevertheless, Croatia Airlines plan to adapt to the competitive market and keep up with the new budget market that Ryanair will bring with it.
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