Croatia Airlines to optimize flight schedule amid Middle East tensions

Croatia Airlines will optimize its flight schedule and cancel certain flights in the coming period, particularly those still in the market investment phase.

This is according to the airline’s response to a query from HINA asking whether it was true that the company was cancelling some planned services, CE Report informs.

“Due to the war in the Middle East, significant geopolitical disruptions, a sharp rise in fuel prices, and changes in demand, the company has introduced crisis management measures and adjusted part of its planned operations,” the response to Hina said.

The airline added that, besides fuel, other costs are also rising. Zagreb International Airport increased passenger fees and airline charges by around 20 percent from June 1, 2026, directly affecting ticket prices for all passengers.

“In such circumstances, the reduction in operations relates to flights that are still in the market investment phase, whose financial performance under the new conditions would mean an increase in the planned loss,” Croatia Airlines said.

The management also noted that despite optimizing the flight schedule and cancelling some flights, “the company is still at the level of increased production and capacity compared to the results achieved in 2025.”

It did not specify exactly how many flights would be cancelled.

“Demand trends, operational circumstances, and resource availability are continuously monitored, and the flight schedule is adjusted accordingly. In some cases, this involves reducing frequencies on certain routes or modifying schedules, primarily where weaker demand has been recorded,” Croatia Airlines stated.

Photo Croatia Airlines