Zadar Airport has officially opened a new 17 million euro passenger terminal, doubling its passenger capacity as the Croatian airport prepares for tourism growth. The new departure terminal, which was officially inaugurated on July 24, forms part of a wider 35 million euro investment programme aimed at modernising the airport and supporting future expansion.
Terminal doubles airport capacity
The new terminal increases the airport’s passenger capacity to around 3 million, double the 1.6 million passengers it handled in 2025. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic attended the opening ceremony and described the project as an important investment for both the region and the country’s tourism industry:
“The expansion of Zadar Airport is an investment in the future of Croatian tourism, the economy and the development of Zadar County.”
The terminal had already been operational for more than a month before its official opening and is designed to improve passenger flow during the busy summer season.
Expansion plans beyond the terminal
The terminal is one part of Zadar Airport’s long-term development strategy. Plans include extending the airport’s runway to accommodate larger aircraft and support additional long-haul and charter operations. Officials have also outlined proposals for a direct rail connection between Zadar city centre and the airport to improve access for passengers.
The airport currently serves more than 60 destinations across Europe through a range of scheduled and seasonal airlines. Officials believe the new terminal, as well as future infrastructure projects, will help attract new airlines and support tourism growth in the area.
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