Dubrovnik Airport Ruđer Bošković anticipates concluding 2024 with a passenger count exceeding pre-pandemic levels from 2019. The airport handled a total of 2.98 million passengers, marking a 23% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, approximately 25,300 aircraft operations were conducted, reflecting a 17.19% growth in operations over the previous year. This surge in passenger numbers has positively impacted the airport’s financial performance, with a projected preliminary profit of around €7 million—a 30% increase compared to 2023.
“This year has been a milestone for Ruđer Bošković Airport. Beyond achieving a record number of passengers, the airport has fostered substantial partnerships with carriers, most notably through the establishment of a Ryanair base. Together with Ryanair and other airlines, the airport has sustained positive trends throughout the summer season and achieved remarkable growth in passenger numbers and operations during the pre- and post-season periods. This underscores the airport’s pivotal role in advancing the key strategic goal of sustainable tourism development. A notable emphasis has also been placed on the winter flight schedule, which is more extensive than ever before. I would like to express my gratitude to all stakeholders in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County for their exceptional synergy and cooperation, which have driven significant progress and shared success in fostering sustainable tourism across our region,” said Viktor Šober, CEO of Ruđer Bošković Airport.
In 2024, Ruđer Bošković Airport solidified its position as a key hub for international travel. In addition to establishing a Ryanair base, it remained the only airport in Croatia offering direct connections to the United States. An agreement was reached for daily flights to New York from early May to late September, with the possibility of extending service into October with slightly reduced frequency. The airport also completed several important projects in 2024, most notably the Master Plan of Ruđer Bošković Airport, which outlines its strategic objectives for the 2025–2045 period.
Looking ahead to 2025, the airport expects increased flight operations to Western and Central Europe, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia. The winter schedule (January–March 2025) will see connections to London, Vienna, Brussels, Warsaw, Barcelona, and Frankfurt. From March through November, the airport will offer an extensive pre- and post-season schedule, connecting Dubrovnik to Madrid, Istanbul, Dublin, London, and Manchester. Ryanair, the base carrier, will introduce a new route to Gothenburg and continue operations to 20 destinations. EasyJet plans to launch a new route, details of which will be announced soon, while Jet2.com will focus on increasing traffic during the pre- and post-season. Additionally, Swiss Air has re-established its service, connecting Zurich and Dubrovnik with five weekly flights during the summer.
Negotiations with other airlines are ongoing, with efforts to introduce new routes emphasizing connections to the Middle East and the United States. While adding carriers and destinations, the airport maintains its focus on enhancing pre-season, post-season, and winter flight schedules.
