Lukša Novak, the director of Split Airport (Sv. Jeronim), has passed away at the age of 67. As the longest-serving head of a state-owned company in Croatia, Novak managed Split Airport for over 30 years, from 1992 until his death, as announced on the airport’s official website.
Novak began his aviation career in the late 1980s and took the helm of Split Airport during the wartime and post-war period when Croatia was just beginning to recover from the aftermath of the conflict. At the time, Split was a regional hub with outdated infrastructure and limited international connections, like other Croatian coastal airports. However, Novak immediately recognized its potential and, over the years, successfully realized his vision, transforming it into a key tourism and economic hub.
Under his leadership, Split Airport underwent significant modernization, with its greatest achievement being the opening of a new terminal in 2019. This project brought greater comfort to passengers, modern facilities, and more efficient services, contributing to a record number of travelers—3.3 million that year. As a result, Split became the country’s second-busiest airport, with flights to over 100 destinations.
He will be remembered as one of the most influential managers in Croatian aviation, whose visionary role helped make Split the gateway of Dalmatia to the world. The editorial team at AvioRadar extends its condolences to the family, colleagues, and acquaintances of the deceased.
