- by croatiaweek
- May 16, 2026
- in
ZAGREB, 16 May 2026 – Croatia Airlines will cancel around 900 flights over the next quarter as sharply rising jet fuel prices continue to affect airlines worldwide.
The national carrier said the reductions represent around five percent of its planned 27,000 operations during the period. Globally, airlines have cancelled around 13,000 flights this month alone, removing an estimated two million seats from schedules, HRT reported.
The aviation sector has been under growing pressure due to soaring fuel costs and ongoing disruptions in global supply chains, forcing transport operators to adjust services and optimise operations.
Croatia Airlines said it is continuously monitoring demand, operational conditions and available resources, with adjustments being made accordingly.
The airline stated that the changes mainly involve reducing frequencies on certain routes and modifying flight schedules.
Croatian Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, said the measures are intended as temporary operational rationalisation rather than permanent cuts.
He noted that some international routes would continue operating with fewer departures instead of being fully suspended, adding that there are currently no further reductions planned.
At the same time, state ferry operator Jadrolinija has announced the cancellation of 15 sailings on its Split–Ancona route during the peak tourist season.
Jadrolinija said rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions had forced the company to optimise its operations.
Company chairman Robert Blažinović said the operator had nevertheless secured fuel supplies for the next two years after signing a new agreement with suppliers in April.
The company also confirmed plans to focus more heavily on vessels powered by renewable energy sources in the future, although such alternatives remain unavailable for commercial aviation, which continues to rely entirely on kerosene.
Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, said airlines are currently reallocating resources towards routes with stronger passenger demand and higher occupancy rates in an effort to maintain overall traffic volumes.
Transport operators across Europe and beyond continue to face mounting financial pressure as fuel costs rise, with passengers expected to feel the impact through reduced services and potentially higher travel prices in the months ahead.