Following its busiest August on record, Zagreb Airport welcomed 243.566 passengers in September 2012, an increase of only 0.8% compared to the same month last year when a total of 241.575 travellers were welcomed through its doors. However, the modest growth was seen despite a significant dip in the number of operated flights to Croatia’s busiest airport. A total of 1.773 departures and arrivals were recorded at Zagreb, down 14.8% on last year. So far in 2012, Zagreb Airport has handled 1.809.653 passengers, down 0.1% on 2011. During the upcoming winter season, the airport looks forward to welcoming new customers including SkyWork Airlines and British Airways.

Recently, Zagreb Airport selected the local IGH project consultancy and design firm to work on the project documentation for the airport’s new multi million euro terminal. The company will be paid nine million euros for its services. It is expected for work on the much anticipated terminal building to commence mid 2013. According to the concession contract, signed with the Croatian government, the airport’s new operators are obliged to begin construction by April 11, 2013. However, operator Aéroports de Paris insists that the original time frame outlined in the contract was “too optimistic”.

Meanwhile, Dubrovnik Airport is chasing its 1987 all time passenger record. In September alone, Dubrovnik welcomed 231.418 passengers, a surge of 12.4% compared to the same month last year. In the first nine months of the year the airport handled 1.296.745 passengers. If strong growth continues over the next three months, Dubrovnik is on course to surpass its 1987 record and position itself as the fourth busiest in the former Yugoslavia.