TRIP REPORT: Croatia Airlines, Bucharest - Zagreb

TRIP REPORT

Wiritten by jsg

City breaks have become a well-established part of my life, and I truly enjoy spending a weekend or so away from Warsaw. While enjoying a previous trip to Bucharest, an idea sparked, I wanted to return, but this time, a different way. Why not combine it with a visit to another capital? As I considered the possibilities: Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, or Prague, I suddenly recalled that Croatia Airlines had recently announced a direct flight from Bucharest to Zagreb. Let’s go for it and make a double city break: Bucharest and Zagreb. Two capital cities, one exciting trip.

The first step was to book a multi-city (or open-jaw) ticket: Warsaw–Bucharest, followed by Zagreb-Warsaw. Next, I secured a Croatia Airlines flight to link the two capitals - Bucharest to Zagreb. For the Warsaw–Bucharest leg, I'm spoiled for choice. On most days, there are three or even four daily flights. I opted for the late-night departure at 23:10 as on Thursdays, only three flights are available, as the additional 20:20 flight operates only on select days. The return from Zagreb was a no-brainer. The Croatian capital offers two daily flights to Warsaw on most days. I chose the most convenient option for a city break: the late afternoon flight at 18:05 - perfect timing to squeeze in a day in the city before heading home. All is set, and I’m excited to try something new, which I like to call a double city break.

OU317 Bucharest Otopeni - Zagreb. Bucharest always amuses me. I’ve visited the Romanian capital multiple times, and each time I discover something new. I know I’ll return to Bucharest sooner or later, but today, I head to București Nord – the main train station serving the Romanian capital. My train departs at 14:30 from platform 9. The single ticket costs 6 RON. The route linking Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni) with Bucharest Nord is a popular way to get to and from the airport. According to some reports, over 1.4 million passengers used this service in 2024.

The train is filling up quickly. A few minutes before departure, all seats are taken, and some passengers are left standing for the 21-minute journey. The diesel multiple unit train stops at two intermediate stations – Parc Mogoșoaia and Patinoar – before arriving at Otopeni Airport station with a 3-minute delay, pulling in at 14:54. The stream of passengers is leaving the train. Most of them follow the signpost marked "Plecări" (Departures). There is no easy or direct route to reach the departure area of Otopeni Airport, which is located in a distant corner of the terminal building on the ground floor. The best way seems to be entering through the arrivals area and walking along a long corridor that connects to another part of the terminal, where the departures area is located. An alternative route is to go outside and take the ramp or stairs leading directly to the departure entrance.

I choose the first route, as it seems simpler. While walking through the corridor, I notice that much of the area is boarded up due to ongoing renovation work. I also take a quick glance at the photos of the new terminal interior displayed on the partition boards and conclude that the airport will look very modern once the upgrades are complete. And finally, I arrive at the check-in area, located at the far end of the airport. The check-in desk for my flight is already open. There is almost no queue at desk 83, only three people in front of me, so I quickly reach the counter. The desk is staffed by two agents. One of them appears to be in training but is already helping by placing luggage tags on the bags. "Only one bag to check in?" asks the main check-in agent seated behind the counter. I confirm. In no time, the check-in is completed: a luggage tag is printed and attached to my bag, and I receive back my ID card along with a printed boarding pass. Then I turn around and head toward the security screening area located just behind me.

"Oh no!" I say to myself upon seeing a long queue for security control. But to my surprise, the line moves quickly, and after just 13 minutes, I’m through and on the airside. At the nearest departure board, I check my assigned gate and proceed to the main departure area of the airport.

This time, there’s no passport control. Romania is now a full member of the Schengen Zone, a change I truly welcome. The airport is bustling, as expected on a Saturday in August. In addition to the usual crowd of regular travellers, many passengers are heading off on their long-awaited holidays to popular holiday destinations.

Today’s flight to Zagreb will board at Gate 30, which like gates 20-33 are located on the ground floor and served by buses, rather than the airbridges used by gates on the first floor. Although I prefer boarding via jetty, I can live with it this time. Lol. The departure area is very busy, and I can barely find a seat. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice an update on the screen at Gate 30: estimated time (of departure) 17:30.

Okay, so we’re delayed by 30 minutes. I wonder why. Airspace restrictions? A late departure from Zagreb? Or something else? After a quick check online, I find out the reason: the delay stems from the late arrival of the initial sector from Zagreb to Barcelona (OU374), which had a knock-on effect on the return leg Barcelona–Zagreb (OU375), timely departure of flight OU316 from Zagreb to Bucharest and subsequently on my flight OU316. That flight finally landed at Bucharest Otopeni Airport at 17:05 - 55 minutes behind schedule.

The aircraft parks at a remote stand, but still within my sight. I leave my seat and walk closer to the window to get a better view of the disembarkation process, as I intend to count the number of passengers getting off. There were approx. 60 travellers on board this flight. I do a quick calculation. Load factor was below 50%, which is probably not a good sign for the future of this route.

At 17:22, boarding is announced. A queue quickly forms at Gate 30. Two gate agents efficiently check boarding passes and verify passengers’ documents. The process is smooth, and soon the bus doors close as we head toward the aircraft.

Inside the bus, a diverse group of passengers fills the space: Croatians returning home from Romania, Romanians traveling to Croatia, including a nuclear family, presumably on a holiday trip, and a Ukrainian national. Two heavy metal fans also stand out, dressed the part. One of them wears a hat and a black tank top with "Name three songs" boldly printed on the back. A truly eclectic group of travellers. The bus ride takes several minutes before we’re dropped off at a remote parking position overlooking the terminal building.

Today’s flight is operated by an Airbus A220-300, registered as 9A-CAN and named after the Slavonian capital of Osijek - a city I visited last year. The aircraft is brand new, having been delivered to Croatia Airlines in June 2025. After climbing the mobile stairs, I’m warmly greeted by the cabin crew and make my way down the aisle to my assigned seat: 27A.

As the seat next to me is already occupied, I take advantage of the relatively empty flight and move to the next row, settling into a window seat: 28A. The cabin is sparsely filled and only about one third of the seats are occupied. That’s even fewer than on the previous segment, and I can’t help but wonder if this route will soon be discontinued due to such low load factors. Perhaps it draws more passengers on other days? I find myself contemplating the uncertain future of this connection.

Inside, I quickly look around. The aircraft interior is new and pleasant, with that fresh-from-the-factory feel. The 2+3 seat configuration is a characteristic feature of this aircraft type. As is common in many modern narrow-body jets, legroom is limited. I find myself wishing for a few extra inches of seat pitch for a more comfortable experience.

Soon, we’re ready to depart. The doors are closed, and the cabin crew take their positions for the safety demonstration, conducted in both Croatian and English as we taxi toward the runway. At 18:12, we finally take off, heading for the Croatian capital. Shortly after departure from Otopeni Airport, the aircraft makes a wide U-turn, giving me a stunning panoramic view of Bucharest. From my window seat, I can also spot the runway of nearby Băneasa Airport - the city’s original airport and once its main international gateway.

After reaching cruising altitude, the all-female cabin crew of three begins the onboard service. Each passenger receives a small pack of “krekeri sa začinskim biljem s Kvarnera” (crackers flavoured with aromatic herbs from the Kvarner region), along with a choice of still or sparkling water. I opt for the plain still water. I particularly enjoy the savoury taste of the crackers, which I remember from previous flights with Croatia Airlines. They’re simple yet flavourful and would go very well with a glass of Croatian (of course) white wine. I find myself wondering: can you buy these somewhere in Croatia?

In the current issue of in-flight magazine, I noted a short note about a new seasonal route to Bucharest with intention to be served 3 times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

After passing Băneasa Airport, which remains operational today and is primarily used by Wizz Air, we continue over the Romanian city of Craiova. From there, the flight path takes us across the Iron Gorge on the Danube River, marking our entry into Serbian airspace. Later, we fly south of Belgrade, then pass over the Serbian city of Šabac and the Bosnian city of Brčko. Shortly after Brčko, the aircraft makes a slight right turn and enters Croatian airspace near the town of Novi Grad. Continuing northwest, we make another turn near the Croatian town of Đurđevac and begin our approach to Zagreb. At 18:33, we touch down at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport, completing the short but scenic flight.

The aircraft is parked at a remote stand near the old terminal building, directly opposite the airport “Vatrogasna postaja” (fire station). It takes a few minutes for the mobile stairs to be attached, and soon we’re disembarking onto a waiting bus at the bottom of the stairs.

Once all passengers are on board, we begin the short ride to the terminal. We’re not the only vehicle on the tarmac—just ahead of us is a luggage cart transporting baggage from flight OU317, cruising along at a steady pace. But our driver seems determined to beat the luggage to the terminal. With a sudden burst of speed, the bus overtakes the baggage cart and leaves it trailing behind. Sure enough, we arrive ahead of the luggage and are dropped off at what used to be the “domaći dolazak” (domestic arrival) area. Wall signs from the building’s previous layout still peek through the newer airport signage, offering a quiet reminder of the terminal's past.

It’s only a short walk to the baggage reclaim area, and as expected, we’ve arrived before our luggage. Passengers gather around Belt 3, waiting for the conveyor to start. A flashing light and the familiar sound of a siren signal the arrival of the bags. Mine is among the first to appear. I quickly grab it and make my way toward the bus stop.

I’m pleased to catch the 19:00 bus to the Zagreb city centre (single ride 8 EUR), perfect timing to enjoy late evening in the Croatian capital.

Flight statistics

LF: 35 %

Distance: 799 kms (431 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 17:00/18:12 (local time at the departure airport)

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 17:35/18:33 (local time at the arrival airport)

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 35 min/1 h 21 min

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