Pula Airport

Pula Airport (PUY/LDPL): Your Essential Gateway to the Istrian Riviera

Pula Airport (PUY) stands as the primary international gateway to Istria, the heart-shaped peninsula of Croatia renowned for its stunning coastline, ancient Roman heritage, and world-class gastronomic offerings. Located strategically close to the historic city of Pula, PUY is crucial for facilitating tourism, primarily catering to seasonal European leisure traffic and connecting millions of travelers to the vibrant Istrian Riviera every year.

Strategic Location and Operational Overview

PUY operates a compact and modern terminal designed for efficient, seasonal passenger flow, ensuring quick transitions for travelers arriving to explore Istria’s diverse attractions, from the beaches of Medulin to the beauty of the Brijuni Islands.

Passenger Volume and Infrastructure Developments

Pula Airport continues to demonstrate significant growth, solidifying its position as a key regional aviation hub, particularly for low-cost carriers (LCCs) and charter operators.

• Latest Passenger Volume: The airport successfully handled 509,397 passengers in 2024, reflecting robust demand and a substantial 20% growth compared to the previous year.
• Capacity Expansion: To better manage peak season traffic, the airport recently completed a strategic 600 m² expansion of the LCC terminal (informally known as ‘Billi’). This upgrade, finalized in April 2025, ensures smoother passenger processing for low-cost travelers.
• EU Border Implementation: PUY is preparing for the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for controlling external borders, scheduled to commence operations at the airport on October 12, 2025. This will enhance border security and efficiency for non-Schengen travelers.

Airlines and International Destinations (Focus on Summer Season)

The airport’s route network is extensive during the summer months, connecting Istria with over 30 key destinations across Europe, with a strong focus on the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.

• Core Carriers: The airport is served by major European airlines, including Ryanair, Lufthansa, British Airways, Norwegian, Aer Lingus, and the Croatian national carrier, Croatia Airlines.
• Key Market Growth (UK): The British market remains vital. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have significantly expanded their seasonal offerings, providing new or extended services from major UK hubs such as Birmingham, London Stansted, and Manchester. These routes are confirmed to operate throughout the 2026 summer season.
• Popular Routes: Travelers can connect Pula to major European cities like London, Dublin, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
• Domestic Connectivity: Croatia Airlines maintains essential year-round domestic flights, linking PUY to Croatian hubs like Zagreb, Split, and Zadar.

Essential Passenger Services and Amenities

Pula Airport’s single, well-organized terminal focuses on providing necessary amenities for a comfortable pre-flight experience, primarily tailored to the needs of international tourists.

• Connectivity: Passengers benefit from complimentary, high-speed free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the terminal building.
• Shopping & Dining: A selection of Duty-Free shops offers a variety of products, while various cafés and refreshment points are available for snacks and drinks before boarding.
• Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with facilities and support services to ensure ease of travel for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
• Airport Area Accommodation: Convenient hotel options, such as Park Plaza Histria and Hotel Pula, are located nearby, offering quick access for early departures or late arrivals.

Ground Transportation and Seamless Istrian Access

The airport’s proximity to Pula city center and major Istrian highways makes ground transport quick and efficient, facilitating travel to popular destinations like Rovinj, Poreč, and Umag.

• Airport Shuttle Bus: A dedicated shuttle bus service offers the most cost-effective link to Pula city center, with a quick journey time of approximately 15 minutes. Tickets are priced affordably at around 4 EUR.
• Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal exit. The short ride to the city center typically takes only 10 minutes, with an estimated fare of 10–15 EUR.
• Car Rental: Exploring the entirety of the Istrian peninsula is highly recommended. All major international car rental providers, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise, operate desks at PUY, allowing travelers to immediately begin their exploration.
• Parking: The airport offers secure and affordable short-term and long-term parking solutions adjacent to the terminal building.