More direct connectivity between Scotland and the Dalmatian coast for 2017, reports the BBC on September 7, 2016.
It is almost ten years since Ryanair entered the Croatian aviation market by commencing operations in the former Dalmatian capital of Zadar. The arrival of the Irish low-cost carrier has transformed not only the airport since then, but also made a huge contribution to the development of tourism in the city, which was voted Best Destination in Europe for 2016 by Best European Destinations earlier this year.
Ryanair followed this entrance into the Croatian market by establishing their 54th European base in the city, and Zadar became a viable third option for arriving at the Dalmatian coast, after the more popular airports of Split and Dubrovnik.
And, after a relatively quiet period of operation in Croatia generally, during a time which has seen easyJet expand its Croatian operations significantly (carrying more than 600,000 passengers last year, with more expected in 2016), it seems that Ryanair is re-engaging with Croatia in recent times. The airline is now operating the first year-round service to a Croatian airport (Osijek in Slavonia), had added Rijeka and Pula to its operation, and is in advanced talks to not only offer 12-month flights to Dubrovnik, but also potentially to offer internal flights within Croatia.
In the latest new route announcement, there is great news for tourists of Scotland, as Zadar will connect directly with Glasgow twice a week for the 2017 season, one of 11 new routes announced by Ryanair this week from the Scottish airports of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick.
Glasgow is the latest Ryanair addition to the Zadar schedule, which also includes Brussels, Paris, Baden-Baden, Marseille, Stockholm, Dusseldorf, Manchester, Gothenburg, London Stansted, Frankfurt, Oslo, Berlin and Dublin.
