The city of Dubrovnik expects to secure new flights from the United States in 2020 after American Airlines launches a seasonal summer service from Philadelphia to the coastal city next year. The head of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Romana Vlašić, told the "Dubrovnik Times", "After 28 years we will finally have direct flights from the US again, with American Airlines announcing services from Philadelphia. This pilot project from American Airlines will grow over the coming years to include more American cities as well as new airlines". She added, "Through our representative office in New York we have made contact with the airline and the travel company that represents them. We have already arranged joint marketing opportunities and cooperation. We are only too happy to help fill these flights and make sure that this new link is successful".

Dubrovnik Airport anticipates strong loads on American Airlines' upcoming service to and from Philadelphia, which will have a significant impact on the future development of air traffic to the States. The General Manager of Dubrovnik Airport, Frano Luetić, previously said he believed the service would prove popular with both holidaymakers and the Croatian diaspora. "American Airlines chose Dubrovnik for several reasons. They have recognised us as a quality destination and our airport worked very hard during the negotiating process in order to secure these flights. Initially, this will be a seasonal service which will be maintained three times per week", Mr Luetić said. He added that the airport expects for the airline to boost frequencies on the route in the years to come.

American Airlines will operate its flights to Dubrovnik from June 7 until September 25 with its 209-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Ms Vlašić noted, "We have been working intensively on the US market for years and it seems that this work is starting to bear fruit. There have been a whole series of promotional events that we have carried out in the US, from the New York Times Travel Show to specialised travel fairs in Las Vegas. Secondly, we are work with a luxury tour operator in the US who has proved to be very professional and has brought us many guests to Dubrovnik over the past few years". All three of the major US carriers - American Airlines, Delta and United - currently maintain codeshare flights to Dubrovnik through their respective partners.