More than Words

Zagreb from above: the history of airlines and airports

From Črnomerec and Borongaj to its current location Pleso, Zagreb Airport was a crucial part of Croatian history and is still contributing to its rising profile as a hub for business, tourism, and culture in the region.

I remember the first time coming to Zagreb Airport. All the crowd, people rushing to get on time, planes landing – it's something you need to experience for yourself. After checking out and getting through insurance, the journey begins. I was lucky to get to sit near the window so I could experience all the glory. When the plane starts its takeoff, you realize you are up in the sky, 10,000 meters away from the ground. But the view is phenomenal. The trip was from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, so I saw every part of Croatia from above.

The history of Zagreb Airport

Zagreb airport was not always in the same place, and through the years it has changed its location a lot. The story began in 1909 with the first airfield in Črnomerec. But as air travel started to grow, the airport moved to a new location, Borongaj, in 1928. This way, Zagreb was connected to major European cities, mainly through Aeroput, the first Yugoslav flag carrier. After World War II, commercial flights shifted to Lučko in 1947, and by 1962, the current Zagreb Airport opened at Pleso, marking a new era for the city’s connectivity.

By the 1980s, Zagreb Airport expanded rapidly, making it Yugoslavia’s second busiest airport. Offering flights to all over the world, even New York. But the most crucial role was during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s, as Zagreb Airport was serving as a UN hub for humanitarian aid.

Josip Škof / MZLZ (Međunarodna zračna luka Zagreb d.d.)

Zagreb Airport today

Since Croatia’s Independence, Zagreb Airport has undergone major upgrades, including a new passenger terminal and expanded infrastructure to meet rising demand. More and more people choose to travel by air, and many new destinations have been connected to Zagreb. With so many airlines, people can choose based on their preferences. From cheap flights to luxury VIP seats, everybody can find a match for their next vacation. But even the numbers show how much Zagreb is a chosen destination for many tourists. In 2024, Zagreb Airport celebrated a historic milestone with over 4 million passengers in a single year and connecting the city to 66 destinations in summer and 48 in winter.

Fotografije Zagreba

Airlines shaping the sky above Zagreb

From Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai to Eurowing and Air France, airlines all over the world have listed Zagreb as the final destination for their fleet. Croatia also has its airline, Croatia Airlines, formerly known as Zagal. It was founded in 1989 and operates domestic and international flights with a main hub at Zagreb Airport. The airline is a Star Alliance member and continues to expand, recently adding new routes and modern Airbus A220 aircraft to its fleet. Its first commercial flight was in 1991 from Zagreb to Split, followed by international flights to Frankfurt in 1992.

Josip Škof / MZLZ (Međunarodna zračna luka Zagreb d.d.)

From its humble beginnings to a bustling international gateway, Zagreb’s aviation history mirrors the city’s dynamic spirit-always reaching for new heights. If you ever had a chance to travel by plane to Zagreb, make sure to get the best seat for the best view.

Header image credit: Josip Škof / MZLZ (Međunarodna zračna luka Zagreb d.d.)

Author: Valentina Grahovac