There is growing interest from low cost carriers (LCCs) in launching services to Zagreb, as the airport’s Growth Incentive Model, from which Ryanair has benefited over the past several years, is set to expire this June. As EX-YU Aviation News learns, one of the airlines to have expressed interest in potentially serving the Croatian capital is Wizz Air. The low cost carrier previously operated flights to Zagreb from Dortmund and London, but discontinued its services in 2011. With the current incentive framework nearing its conclusion, Zagreb Airport is expected to introduce a revised model aimed at sustaining growth while diversifying its airline base. This could reduce reliance on a single dominant low cost operator and encourage greater competition, particularly on key European routes.
Wizz Air’s CEO, Jozsef Varadi, previously said Zagreb Airport was too expensive for the airline. “Zagreb is a high-priced airport environment with fluctuating demand. If Zagreb Airport becomes more reasonable, we will certainly consider it as an opportunity to expand our network”, Mr Varadi noted at the time. The carrier’s renewed interest comes as it expands in Croatia this summer with the launch of new seasonal routes to the coast. Meanwhile, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary previously said the airline would welcome Wizz Air’s presence at Zagreb Airport and stands ready to compete against its low cost rival.
Zagreb Airport is also running its Connecting Capital Cities Incentive Model, for which airlines have been eligible to apply since June 2023, with the scheme set to run until May this year. The programme provides enhanced financial support for the simultaneous introduction of multiple destinations, rather than incentivising the launch of a single route. To qualify for the incentives, airlines must introduce at least two weekly year-round services to a minimum of three of the sixteen pre-selected destinations. These include Prague, Tallinn, Berlin, Budapest, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Stockholm (Arlanda or Skavsta), Tirana, Pristina, Reykjavik, Tbilisi, Kyiv (upon the reopening of Ukrainian airspace), Chisinau and Yerevan.
Bye OU.
ReplyDeleteWizz Air is unreliable. Announcing flights and then cancelling them. Ryanair is the one who will be saying goodbye to Zagreb
Deleteif wizz comes, we will have more passangers than Tirana!! Cant wait
DeleteZagreb will not have have more passengers than Tirana Airport in even the long-term.
DeleteYou keep forgetting Tirana is the only significant airport in Albania, similar to Belgrade in Serbia or Budapest in Hungary. Such situations couldn't be compared to Croatia, which doesn't have Zagreb as the only significant airport, but Split and Dubrovnik with multi million passengers per year, even Zadar, getting close to two million. It's diferrent and incomparable
DeleteTIA will have more passengers than all Croatian airports combined this year.
DeleteΤhe Albanian Riviera is on fire!
Delete@An.13.50
DeleteAgain, it can't be compared, even if TIA has more passengers than all croatian airports combined. Albanian diaspora is huuuge and visits regularly. And when I say Albanian I mean not only from Albania but from Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia, and they use TIA too. Second, Albania is far far more away than Croatia for most of the emitive tourist markets. Similar to Greece, where more than 90 percent of tourists come by plane, unlike Croatia where over 80 percent drive. So, once again, incomparable, unless your intention is to belittle ZAG and Croatia
I write that it will have more passengers than all airports combined in the country, which is a fact and you respond that I am belittling Zagreb and Croatia for writing a pure fact. Some people really need help on here.
DeleteSame way you can't compare TIA to BEG, SKP, PRN etc because the country has a coast and a large tourism industry. But it does not seem to have stopped others almost religiously comparing it to those. The line seems to be drawn at Zagreb.
DeleteYes. You stated facts. I did not deny those facts. I just explained why the facts are such as they are. Every single thing on this World has a reason behind. And if you are not willing to accept reason behind there is also reason behind it. Reason which I just stated. Your anger and message I needed help just show how right I am 🙂
DeleteAnger? I simply wrote a fact. You being triggered by it and accusing me of some conspiracy against Croatia says more about you :)
DeleteWhenever someone says anything about Croatia they get triggered, but anyway Albanian Rivera has taken a lot of Croatian tourists simply because of affordability on a flip side passenger numbers on airports are not lying
DeleteI'm not triggered by Croatian airports at all. I think they are doing an excellent job in general and I think terminals/infrastructure are the best in the region. A lot of investment and good planning in that department. That does not change what I wrote that TIA will have more passengers and that does not make me somehow hate Croatia. Bizarre.
DeleteWhy then you don't you accept reasons why Tirana has more passengers than croatian airports? Why is it so important for you to stress Tirana has more passengers than croatian airports? Just btw Albania will never have that many tourists and that many richer tourists like Croatia, no matter of TIA pax numbers
DeleteWho and where did I say I don't accept anything? My only comment on this thread was that TIA will have more passengers than Croatian airports combined this year, after which I was bizarrely attacked of belittling Croatia. Everything you wrote in your last comments about rich tourists and your anger that someone pointed out this fact shows more that you, for some reason, are triggered by it. And I don't really see an issue. Besides, TIA surpassing certain other airports in the region has been wholeheartedly accepted and emphasised by many here.
DeleteNo single word I said against Tirana. Furthermore, I spoke about other countries with just one really big airport. I never spoke about general numbers. I never advocated Zagreb or any other croatian airport. I just said that unlike Albania, Serbia or Hungary, which basically have one big or relatively big airport, Croatia has it traffic dispersed to several airports, and gave explanation why Tirana has that many passengers - geography and diaspora. For which, I was instructed to seek help. Everything thereafter were excuses only, unsuccessful attempt to hide your original message.
DeleteDude you really need help. You got so angry when I told you that TIA will have more passengers than all Croatian airports combined that you accused me of belittling Croatia and proceeded to give many excuses why TIA will have more passengers including how rich Croatian tourists are while everyone else has toothless and poor tourists, as well as one airport (even though some of those countries have more passengers at secondary airports than some in Croatia).
DeleteBut to end it, I am truly sorry you got offended that poor Tirana with one poor backward airport (as you seem to think) will have more passengers than rich Croatia with so many tich tourists. I am truly sorry.
Without Wizz it would be only half the fun.
ReplyDeleteIf Wizz does come, I hope they don't go head to head with Ryanair on certain routes. They will just canabilise each other. I would rather they launch unserved routes.
DeleteThey would both canabilise OU
Delete@9.12
DeleteIf Wizz comes, expect overlap on routes
If Wizz enters and targets Eastern Europe routes (Baltics, Caucasus), that would actually complement rather than directly compete with Ryanair.
DeleteIf Wizz returns, it will likely be with a few carefully selected routes, not a full-scale operation like in Belgrade or Skopje.
DeleteWizz prefers markets where it can build a base
DeleteI could see W6 flying from Zagreb to OTP, SOF, TIA, BEG, TGD, ATH, LCA, TLV, LTN, WAW.
DeleteGood choices. I would definitely see them launching a number of Italian routes too.
DeleteEven Georgia and Armenia who offer good incentives to LCCs.
Agree with both above. But you both didn't mention Baltics. Missing big time! Also Ukraine once war is over. Huuge pool of passengers
DeleteThe destinations in the Connecting Capital Cities Incentive Model are perfect for Wizz.
ReplyDeleteIf Wizz Air really wanted Zagreb, they would have entered already. The fact they haven’t says everything.
DeletePink sheriff is a coward
DeletePerhaps if they gave the same conditions to OU and W6 as they did to Ryanair, they would expand or come.
ReplyDeleteThe conditions are THE SAME FOR EVERYONE
DeleteThey are not. The incentive model which Ryanair got is not available to others. It was for a few weeks in total.
DeleteSame conditions were given to all airlines, once the Growth Incentive Model became effective in 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Only Ryanair took the risk and launched flights, others have ignored.
DeleteYup, the conditions were the same for everyone. They weren't tailor made for Ryan.
DeleteI believe even Croatia Airlines could've applied but the criteria were strict about the new routes introduction.
That’s against the EU laws. They are obligated to offer same conditions for everyone
DeleteIt's far too early for OU to think about expansion, even if some sort of incentive was involved. This is the problem with government run prestige projects.
DeleteThis is great! I prefer to see LCCs other than Ryanair or Wizzair.
ReplyDeleteWhy? What do they offer? To me, intra Europe, there is no difference between airlines.
DeleteAnd also: “ Zagreb is a high-priced airport environment” Why does everything strive to be high priced in the Balkans? Polish airports have Wizz, have FR, are wonderfully refurbished and function smoothlessly. Yet here, everything is premium but the service itself. And so much snobbery. Not this, not that. It’s all very pretentious and kinda getting old tbh.
Yes they are refurbished in Poland, because the money from the Polish government and EU funds came. It's for sure not because of the peanuts from Ryanair and Wizzair. Why they don't fly from Munich Airport and choose Memmingen Airport instead? Again, because they prefer to pay peanuts. Why Zagreb Airport doesn't invest in expansion of the new terminal and try to convince the government that old terminal is also good? Again, because of the peanuts they receive from Ryanair.
DeleteRyanair will definitely get its own incentives but it would be good to see something for others too.
ReplyDeleteWishing All the best to ZAG, but LJU please wake up
ReplyDeleteA fast speed rail is needed between the two.
DeleteLjubljana is LHG fortress and premium airport, they don't need big LCCs who are known as unreliable partners.
Deletepremium airport? lol
Deleteits profitable one :)
DeleteZAG is profitable too. Don't mix it up with OU.
DeleteFraport is not interested. Fraport is CANCER for Slovenia.
DeleteFun fact: Until the beginning of March LJU had more LCCs than ZAG.
DeleteIs it true that Wizz wanted to base 4 planes in Slovenia but Fraport prevented it?
DeleteHow dare you speak those conspiracy theories! It's Bravo Fraport only!
DeleteI don’t know … I don’t fly LCC anymore unless absolutely necessary. It’s just so bad and prices aren’t that much lower anymore.
DeleteCouple of weeks ago I went to LPA from Ljubljana with LH via FRA and the price was only 60 EUR more than Ryanair from Treviso. Adding the time needed to get there, tolls, gas, parking etc.. it really doesn’t make any sense.
For September I’m planning business trip to Malta. Ryanair from ZAG is about 306 Eur (hand luggage) and Air Serbia (with short connection) is 260 Eur from Ljubljana.
I don’t get what is all the hype about LCC’s
People see prices advertised for EUR10 and think every seat is that price. Advertising is good at brainwashing.
DeleteFlying six times this year and only once from LJU. I would spend 2x for flying from LJU. But I guess everyone that doesn't use Fanboys favourite airline is brainwashed :)
DeleteAnon@12:36: In 2025 Wizz had plans to open a base at LJU, but not with 4 planes. Fraport was the reason it didnt happen. We are all waiting for the government to make a bold move and nationalise the airport.
DeleteIf Wizz returns to ZAG, they would certainly launch LTN. Others possibilities would be BER, BCN, HAM, LCA, TLV, BGY, FCO, NYO.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even TGD. Remember that Montenegro plans a PSO route to Zagreb?
DeleteOTP, SOF, TIA, BEG, TGD, ATH, LTN, WAW are also great choices for W6 in ZAG.
DeleteGreat for Zagreb, Ljubljana is loosing again.
ReplyDeleteLJU might lose. But it isn’t loose.
DeleteI am traveling 2-4 time a month for business and after Adria I flew 90% from Zagreb due to better connections and much cheaper prices. But for the last year or so I am always using Ljubljana as it’s more convenient and prices are almost the same.
DeleteIf Wizz Air really comes back to Zagreb, it will finally create proper LCC competition. Right now, Ryanair is basically dominating the segment.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve heard this story many times before with Wizz Air and Zagreb. Interest, talks, speculation… but nothing ever materialises.
ReplyDeleteFeels like this is more of a signal from the airport than a firm plan from Wizz Air. It always appears when there are some talks with Ryanair.
DeleteMy thoughts too. This could be a negotiating tactic by the airport.
DeleteWizz Air is expanding heavily in the region but still avoids Zagreb.
ReplyDeleteIf Wizz enters they will use A321neos with high capacity. The question is whether Zagreb can sustain those loads year-round.
DeleteThe Connecting Capital Cities scheme is actually quite smart.
ReplyDeleteA total of 0 airlines have applied for it for 3 years so I'm not sure it's so smart.
DeleteThe condition of launching multiple routes at once is risky. It raises the barrier to entry quite a bit.
DeleteZagreb needs more diversity.
ReplyDeleteIt has a pretty good collection of airlines actually.
DeleteI meant LCC diversity.
DeleteThe airport needs competition but not at any cost.
DeleteLet’s not forget Wizz already tried Zagreb and left
ReplyDeleteIf this happens, Zagreb could finally start resembling other Central European capitals with multiple LCCs competing side by side.
ReplyDeletePeople underestimate how strategic Wizz is. They don’t just enter markets for the sake of it. They need scale and Zagreb might still be too small for that.
DeleteThere are much smaller airports than ZAG Wizz operates to/from. In ex yu, and beyond.
DeleteIf Wizz can make TGD work a small base at ZAG is very much possible.
DeleteHonestly, Zagreb should focus on legacy and hybrid carriers
ReplyDeleteZagreb-Budapest please
ReplyDeleteWay to short a flight for an LCC. Take the train mate or drive.
DeleteThere used by QR with fifth freedom flights once. Malev also used to fly BUD-ZAG and LOT planned to launch it but then covid hit.
DeleteMalev flew it will Saabs if i remember. That was a totally different era. QR fifth freedom flights do not equate to a significant point to point market let alone for an LCC. Take the train mate.
DeleteMalev flew 3 times per day. Q400 and F70. Saab from Budapest Air Service very very rarely
DeleteAlso CRJ
DeleteThat was a different era. And a time when Malev targeted transfer passengers. No way an airline could fill an a321 or 738 between the two
DeleteCities with much profit in the modern climate.
Would be interesting to see if other LCCs like easyJet or Eurowings also show interest.
ReplyDeleteUntil ticket sales open, this is just another “what if” scenario we’ve seen many times in the region.
ReplyDeleteMost of the news in the aviation world runs on 'what if'
DeleteFrom a "prestigious" airport to one dominated by LCCs.
ReplyDeleteWhen was it prestigious? Have i missed a decade?
DeleteI also remember the time that many commentators were saying how the airport was prestigious and didn't need LCCs.
Delete@An.10.22
DeleteI wouldn't exactly use the word "prestigious" but I can understand people who use the word for the time when ZAG had Emirates, Qatar, Korean Air, Air Canada Rouge, British, Air France, Finnair, KLM, Brussels, Lufthansa, Austrian, TAP. Iberia, LOT, Aeroflot, THY...It was 2019 if I remember correctly
^ that was just a "normal" line-up of airlines for that time-period which is very different in terms of todays connectivity. Tourism patterns and aviation patterns are a fickle beast and Zagreb may well return to those days in the coming years.
DeleteThat'd be nice! Currently, Eurowings' presence is negligible and FR basically has a monopoly on LCC services. They sound very confident, saying; they stand ready to compete with their low cost rival, but irrespective of that, a real LCC competition would be great, both for ZAG and us passengers.
ReplyDeleteThis competition could attract Easy to perhaps come back as well.
At any rate, opening up the old terminal for low cost carriers, certainly makes sense. It always have.
+1
DeleteCan someone tell me, if they extend current incentive model for Ryanair like expected, will they have to again open it up to other airlines to apply if they want to or they can exclusively extend it just for Ryanair?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should bother to read previous comments? Incentives were NOT for Ryanair. Ryanair was the only one that responded to Incentives. Under EU regulations, all EU airlines have right to apply to incentive scheme which is the same for all, and to open services under the scheme. It was like that last time, it will be like that next time. Useless OU wasn't interested back in time and will highly likely not be interested again. Ryanair will go for it again because the former one was success. Will Wizz, or any other be interested this time, depend on estimations and evaluations of particular airline and can't be predicted or guaranteed
DeleteBYE BYE OU
ReplyDeleteNot gonna happen as long as Mafiosos take percentage for leasing contracts and as long as Mutti is getting its feed
DeleteEasyjet had LF of 96 p cent on LGW-ZAG. Friend is a training captain ( Lon based). The ONLY reason they pulled iff the route was massive increase in handling fees at ZAG for all EXCEPT OU. ..Says it all..of course it must have changed now but how foolish to lose EasyJet to help OU whose fares are too high anyway
ReplyDeleteAll these incentives show just how useless OU is
ReplyDelete