Croatia Airlines plans to expand its wet-leased turboprop fleet during the 2027 summer season by adding a second ATR aircraft, which is expected to be sourced from Croatian carrier ETF Airways. The additional capacity will result in a significant increase in ATR operations next year, with Croatia Airlines already scheduling exactly double the number of flights with the type compared to the 2026 summer season.
The extent of the planned increase is visible in the existing 2027 summer timetable. In July of next year for example, Croatia Airlines has scheduled 544 ATR-operated flights, offering 38.080 seats, up 100% on July 2026. Zagreb accounts for the bulk of the flying next summer. The turboprop is currently most frequently scheduled on flights between Zagreb and Sarajevo, followed by services from the Croatian capital to Munich, Vienna and Zurich. The ATR will also be deployed from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, Mostar, Pula, Split and Zadar.
Furthermore, the aircraft will operate a number of services outside Zagreb. Based on the current schedule, the ATR will be used between Munich and both Osijek and Rijeka, as well as on the Pula – Zadar route. A limited number of Dubrovnik – Rome flights are also currently scheduled with the type. The deployment is likely to undergo further changes before the start of the 2027 summer season.
Croatia Airlines is expected to continue its cooperation with ETF Airways for the additional wet-leased aircraft. ETF, which has been developing its turboprop operations alongside its existing jet business, is itself expected to grow its ATR fleet. The arrangement gives Croatia Airlines access to lower-capacity aircraft suited to thinner regional markets at a time when its own fleet is being standardised around the Airbus A220. The Croatian carrier is expected to complete its transition to an all-A220 fleet before the start of the 2027 summer season.
