Turkish Airlines is set to enhance its operations between Istanbul and Zagreb this summer, further increasing frequencies beyond its previously announced plans. Initially, the Star Alliance member planned to raise its weekly flights between the two cities from 18 to 21 starting March 30. However, the airline has now revised its schedule to introduce a fourth daily service on select days during the peak summer period.
From July 1 to September 1, Turkish Airlines will operate a fourth daily flight on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, bringing the total number of weekly rotations to 24. While these additional services have been loaded into reservation systems, ticket sales have yet to be made available.
New Midnight Service and Strong Transfer Demand
During the peak summer season, Turkish Airlines will introduce a new late-night departure from Istanbul, arriving in Zagreb at 01:45 local time. The return flight will depart at 02:40, landing in Istanbul at 05:55. These services will complement the existing morning, afternoon, and evening rotations from Turkey’s largest city.
Before the pandemic, around 60% of passengers on the Istanbul-Zagreb route were transfer travelers from the Far East. While Asian markets have since recovered, the route has seen a growing number of passengers connecting from the U.S., particularly from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Additionally, the airline’s expansion into Australia is further driving transfer traffic through Istanbul.
Increased Dubrovnik Frequencies and Strategic Importance
Beyond Zagreb, Turkish Airlines is also ramping up flights to Dubrovnik. Between July 1 and September 1, the airline will increase its service from a planned daily rotation to nine weekly flights, with two daily services available on Tuesdays and Sundays.
The Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport highlighted the importance of this connectivity, stating:
“In the context of the development of year-round tourism, good air connectivity is extremely important for Croatia. We are pleased to have a strong partner in Turkish Airlines, which connects Turkey directly with Zagreb and Dubrovnik and, through a codeshare partnership with Croatia Airlines, further links Pula, Split, and Zadar.”
Turkish Airlines’ expansion reflects the growing demand for air travel between Turkey and Croatia, strengthening both leisure and business connectivity.
