TRIP REPORT
I flew between Mostar and Zagreb earlier this week. As most people are aware, this is a subsidized service operated by Croatia Airlines three times per week with the Dash 8 Q400 plane. The evening before my flights I saw that the Q400 was scheduled depart Zagreb on time, however, on the morning of my departure (plane departs at 06.00 AM), I saw that the equipment had been changed to the A319. I’m guessing Croatia Airlines had a technical issue with one of its Q400s and sent the jet engine plane instead.
Mostar Airport is small and there was not much point taking pictures as there is construction going on inside the terminal as the gates are being extended. Around 15 minutes prior to departure we walked up to the plane and boarded.
There were around 50 passengers on this flight, which is great, considering the load would have been decent on the usual Q400. Most of the passengers, like me, were businesspeople going to Zagreb or beyond.
Since the there were 144 seats on this A319 it was far from full, so I had the two seats next to me empty. By the time we all boarded we pushed back five minutes behind schedule but were informed by the pilot we would arrive in Zagreb early.
The flight was uneventful. The crew distributed water and some cookies after departure and cleared them some 10 minutes later. The flight itself was short too and we arrived in Zagreb some 10 minutes ahead of schedule, at 6.50. So, the entire flight took just 45 minutes.
I think it is good that this service exists, and hopefully with more marketing and more tourism in each direction it could have decent numbers on the Q400. Also looking forward to the new Air Serbia and Skyalps flights.
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Very good load for what should have been the Q400.
ReplyDeleteThis is PSO flight and it means Mostar pays for empty seats.
DeleteWhat is the procedure now when company changed Q400 with A319? Does it mean that Mostar pays for empty seats on Q400 even A319 flew this route?
I couldn't find the details of the PSO, but it's more likely they just pay up-front per each flight
DeleteThanks for the trip report, interesting to read. I’m happy to see Mostar with flights. It’s a beautiful destination to visit.
ReplyDelete+1 I find Mostar enchanting.
DeleteSimple but nice report, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThey don't send the A319 as a replacement a lot whenever there is a breakdown of one of the Dashes because I think they prefer to send it to Skopje instead. Mostar got an overnight A319 on 24 March 2024 and before that on 6 August 2023 and 21 may 2023. And that's it.
ReplyDeleteThere is pushback in Mostar? :D
ReplyDeleteI was on the same flight. Returning from Mostar Maraton 👍
ReplyDelete50 pax on a flight is good. Last Oct there was 23 pax on ZAG OMO flight.
ReplyDeleteIts easter
DeleteIt wasn't Easter last week, what are you talking about?
DeleteAlso the flight was going OUT of Mostar so the traffic can't have been diaspora leaking home early for Easter
DeleteIt is good, but it's also a bad sign of what is to come when the A-220s replace the Dashes
Delete