NEWS FLASH
Zagreb Airport has blamed miscommunication for a recent incident which saw it deny landing rights to a diverted Croatia Airlines flight late at night, but not before it faulted the national carrier. Yesterday afternoon, Zagreb Airport issued its first press release on the matter stating that the airport is operational 24/7 and that the Croatia Airlines pilot who was unable to land in Dubrovnik due to high wind never requested to touch down in Zagreb. Furthermore, it added. "Following a detailed internal investigation, we can conclude that landing options were available for Croatia Airlines flight OU664 between June 16 and 17. Other than that, we can't go into or comment the carrier's decisions". However, following an urgent meeting with Croatia Airlines later on in the day, the airport changed its tune, conceding that its previous media release "did not completely reflect what actually happened". The airport added that there was miscommunication between the Croatia Airlines pilot and ground staff but failed to explain in further detail what actually occurred on the night. The incident has raised questions as to whether the airport operator had cut down on staff numbers in its emergency services during late night and early morning hours which would render it unable to handle larger aircraft. The Croatian Ministry for Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, together with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency said they are investigating the matter and will make their findings public tomorrow.
Bravo Hrvatska!
ReplyDeleteHope the French operator receives a penalty fee/punishment from the state for breaching the concession agreement.
ReplyDeleteMe too, fine the airport at least for the cost of OU needing to fl to Rome and back, and passenger costs. hotel, and delays. I'd say $50 000 would do.
DeleteBy croatian law, a penalty for this is expected between 5000 and 20000 eur. And that is in case caa states apt is guilty. By my opinion, to apt management this penalty is cheaper than paying the needed employees for the night shifts
DeleteThat's a big PR boo boo from the airport.
ReplyDeleteGreat pic of the terminal. Looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteJesus LOL
ReplyDeleteHas OU published a statement on this? I highly doubt he went to FCO just like that, on his own.
ReplyDeleteThey should have diverted to Belgrade.
ReplyDeleteYeah right, they would rather crash land into the ocean. :)
DeleteEnjoy your French owned airport Croatia, can’t even land your own planes there...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete+1 Bravo, true and sad in once.
DeleteWhats next, they will raise the airport fees?! Oh wait!
DeleteI would really like to see a feedback from companies that do ambulance flights. I am pretty sure if somebody made a research on how many ambulance flights were denied for landing to ZAG during the nights and how many organs have failed to be translplanted because of it, that french people managing the airport would not pass through so easily like this time..
ReplyDeleteThere are very limited medical flights going through ZAG, so without knowing it exactly, I do not believe this was the case.
Delete