June the 20th, 2026 – Cathay Pacific could connect Hong Kong and Croatia with a new direct air link, with talks between representatives focused on transport still ongoing.
Croatia might be one step closer to getting a direct air connection with Hong Kong, reports Poslovni, as discussions continue over a potential route operated by international airline Cathay Pacific.
The possible connection between Hong Kong and Croatia would represent a major boost for tourism, business, and international travel, opening a faster link between the Adriatic and one of Asia’s most important aviation hubs. Talks between Croatian representatives and Cathay Pacific have primarily focused on improving transport connections between Croatia and China, with the goal of strengthening tourism, trade, and wider economic cooperation.
For Croatia, the potential route would be strategically important. While the country has strong connections with many European destinations, long-haul links to Asia remain much more limited. A direct Hong Kong connection would make Croatia more accessible to travellers from China, Hong Kong, and other Asian markets.
Hong Kong is otherwise one of the world’s major aviation centres, with Cathay Pacific operating an extensive international network connecting Asia with Europe and beyond. For Croatian tourism, the timing of the introduction of such a direct route could be extremely significant.
Visitors from Asian markets have shown growing interest in Croatia, attracted by the country’s coastline, historic cities, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes. A direct flight could make destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and the islands easier to reach without complicated connections through larger European airports. The benefits to this connection would not be solely limited to tourism.
Business links between Croatia and Asia could also improve, particularly in areas such as technology, investment, logistics, and education. Croatia has been working to position itself as more than just a summer holiday destination, and better air connectivity is a key part of that strategy. Cathay Pacific has also been expanding its European network in recent years, adding and restoring routes to major European cities as demand for international travel continues to recover.
A Hong Kong–Croatia route would also highlight Croatia’s changing role in global travel. For several decades now, Croatia’s international image was built around the Adriatic, islands, and historic towns. Now, with growing interest from global markets, the country is looking to become better connected to the world.
The route isn’t yet confirmed, but discussions suggest that Croatia is actively working to bring more long-distance visitors directly to its airports. If successful, the connection could become another sign that Croatia’s tourism story is expanding beyond the borders of Europe, toward Asia and the wider global market.
