The Airbus A319 registered 9A-CTH, named “Zagreb”, left the Croatia Airlines fleet on 26 October 2026. After more than 28 years with the Croatian flag carrier, the aircraft departed Franjo Tuđman Airport for Kemble in the United Kingdom as flight OU7286. Its departure brought to a close a long chapter of service connecting Croatian airports with numerous European destinations.

According to Flightradar24, the aircraft took off from Zagreb at 11:04 local time and landed in Kemble at 12:37 local time, after a flight lasting two hours and 33 minutes. Available information indicates that it will be dismantled at Kemble, marking the end of this A319’s flying career.

The A319-112, manufacturer serial number 833, first flew on 12 May 1998 under the test registration D-AVYJ. It was delivered to Croatia Airlines on 4 June that year and spent its entire operational life with the airline. Powered by two CFM56-5B6/P engines, it had a passenger cabin configured with 144 seats.

Its final commercial flight took place on 7 October 2026, operating flight OU381 from Split to Zagreb, where it landed at 20:38 local time. Its final day in passenger service comprised six flights: a return rotation between Zagreb and Split, followed by flights from Zagreb via Split to Rome and back along the same route. It thus concluded its passenger service on a domestic sector, returning to the city whose name it carried.

The withdrawal of 9A-CTH forms part of Croatia Airlines’ fleet renewal and gradual transition to Airbus A220 aircraft. Since 1998, the A319 has played an important role in the airline’s domestic and international network. The departure of its remaining examples brings to an end an era spanning almost three decades of operations.

Yet behind the registrations, serial numbers and dates are personal memories. Every aircraft has its own character, and “Hotel”, as many called 9A-CTH after the final letter of its registration, was no exception. That character made it a favourite among many passengers, crew members, ground staff and mechanics. For some, it was part of everyday life and a place of work; for others, a companion on journeys they will remember for a lifetime. That is why its departure is difficult for so many, even as they recognise that the time has come for a new generation of aircraft.

Farewell, Hotel, and thank you for every flight. For every time you took us out to discover the world and brought us safely home.