Today an Airbus aircraft operated the inaugural flight between Zagreb and Istanbul of Croatia Airlines, a Star Alliance member. This flight marked the reintroduction of the regular international Croatia Airlines’ route between the capital of Croatia and one of the most attractive destinations in South-East Europe, Istanbul.

From today until the end of September, Zagreb and Istanbul will be connected by Croatia Airlines return flights, three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On the route will operate Croatia Airlines’ Airbus 319 (capacity of 132 seats) and Airbus 320 (capacity of 162 seats) aircraft.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the plane will take off from Zagreb at 17:15, and land in Istanbul at 20:10. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the take off from Istanbul is scheduled for 21:10, landing in Zagreb at 22:05. On Sundays the departure from Zagreb is scheduled for 12:15, and the arrival in Istanbul is at 15:10. On Sundays the departure from Istanbul is scheduled for 16:10, arriving in Zagreb at 17:05. All times are local.

On the occasion of the reintroduction of Zagreb – Istanbul flights, Croatia Airlines’ passengers are being offered affordable return fares, available at www.croatiaairlines.com, starting at € 164. The return fare includes airport taxes, ticket surcharge (TSC), free baggage allowance up to 20 kilograms, food and drinks on board, newspapers, and passengers are also eligible for collecting award miles through the Miles & More programme.

Istanbul and Turkey are much more accessible to Croatian citizens and Croatia Airlines flights will bring historical, cultural and natural beauties of Croatia closer to the citizens of Turkey. Moreover, the Republic of Croatia is one of the richest tourist destinations that Turkish citizens do not need a visa to enter.

By reintroducing Zagreb – Istanbul flights, Croatia Airlines additionally contributes to the development of the Croatian tourist potential and tourism as one of the most important economic sectors. At the same time it strengthens its position as the regional leader and improves the global product of the Star Alliance.

More information about travel conditions can be obtained at Zenith Services, Croatia Airlines’ main passenger and cargo sales representative in Turkey, at phone number: (212) 512 4232 or at: hidayet.coklar@croatiaairlines.hr.

Let us use this occasion to recall that the first Croatia Airlines flight between Zagreb and Istanbul operated on 25 October 1992, and it continued until the winter of 1999. Afterwards, Croatia Airlines discontinued direct flights, while the connection between Croatia and Turkey was enabled by code-sharing with Turkish Airlines flights.