Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) – Your Premier Gateway to Croatia and Southeast Europe
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport, officially designated ZAG (IATA) and LDZA (ICAO), stands as the largest and most important international airport in Croatia. Located in Pleso, approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) southeast of the vibrant Zagreb city center, it serves as the main operating base for the national flag carrier, Croatia Airlines, and is managed by the consortium Međunarodna zračna luka Zagreb (MZLZ).
ZAG is not just a transportation hub; it is a critical economic engine and the primary air connection point for all of Southeast Europe.
General Information and Strategic Significance
Franjo Tuđman Airport has experienced remarkable growth, solidifying its position as a leading European airport. The airport successfully handled approximately 4.31 million passengers in 2024, demonstrating strong recovery and sustained growth momentum. Continuous investments and network expansion initiatives are set to push passenger numbers even higher in the following years.
Key Statistics:
- Location: 17 km from Zagreb city center
- Operator: Međunarodna zračna luka Zagreb (MZLZ)
- 2024 Passenger Traffic: ~4.31 Million
- Primary Hub for: Croatia Airlines
The Modern Passenger Terminal: Facilities and Services
The airport operates from a single, architecturally striking passenger terminal, which was inaugurated in March 2017. This state-of-the-art facility was designed to significantly enhance the passenger experience and accommodate future demand.
Terminal Highlights:
- Capacity: The terminal boasts an initial design capacity of 5.5 million passengers annually, with expansion plans already integrated to potentially reach 8 million passengers.
- Amenities: Passengers benefit from modern conveniences, including fast and complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Retail therapy is catered for by extensive Duty-Free shops, and a wide selection of dining options, ranging from quick-service cafes to sit-down restaurants, is available.
- Lounges: For enhanced comfort, travelers can access premium waiting areas such as the Primeclass Lounge, which offers business amenities, refreshment, and a quiet environment for eligible passengers.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with elevators, ramps, and dedicated services to ensure seamless travel for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Currency & VAT: Currency exchange and VAT refund services are conveniently available in the arrivals and departures areas.
Connecting the Continent: Routes and Airlines Expansion
ZAG’s network expansion, especially in 2025, has focused on strengthening both its European and long-haul capabilities, connecting Zagreb to approximately 70 year-round and seasonal destinations.
- Major Carriers: The airport serves a diverse mix of carriers, including legacy airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways, as well as major low-cost operators like Ryanair.
- Strategic Long-Haul: Zagreb maintains vital intercontinental connections, notably with direct flights to the Middle East (e.g., Doha, Dubai) and seasonal service to Seoul (Incheon) via carriers such as T’way Air, underlining its growing global reach.
- Low-Cost Growth: Ryanair’s expanded presence, including new routes like Palermo and upgraded year-round services, significantly boosts accessibility for budget-conscious travelers across Europe.
Seamless Ground Transportation Options
Zagreb Airport is well-connected to the city, offering a variety of reliable and affordable ground transportation choices for travelers.
| Mode of Transport | Details | Estimated Travel Time (to City Centre) | Estimated Fare |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | The dedicated Pleso Prijevoz bus service runs frequently, linking the airport directly to the main Zagreb Bus Station. Tickets are purchased upon boarding or online. | 25–30 minutes | Approx. €8–€10 (one-way) |
| Taxi | A clearly marked taxi rank is located outside the terminal building. It is advisable to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before beginning the journey. | 20–25 minutes | Approx. €20–€30 |
| Car Rental | Major international car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise) have desks located in the arrivals hall, offering flexible options for onward travel across Croatia. | N/A | Varies |
| Parking | The airport provides extensive short-term (Kiss & Fly) and long-term parking facilities, with discounted rates often available for advanced online reservations. | N/A | Varies |
Sustainability Commitment and Environmental Leadership
Zagreb Airport is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and reducing its carbon footprint, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable airport operations in the region.
- Carbon Accreditation: ZAG has proudly achieved Level 4 status under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, recognizing its efforts to manage and reduce CO2 emissions.
- Net-Zero Goal: The airport has committed to the ambitious long-term objective of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with broader European environmental goals.
- Green Initiatives: Since 2022, ZAG has sourced 100% of its electricity from renewable providers. A significant step in 2025 was the installation of a new 250-kW solar power plant on-site, contributing directly to the terminal’s power needs.
- Electric Mobility: Supporting electric vehicle adoption, the airport offers both standard AC (11 kW) and fast DC (120 kW) charging stations for public use, encouraging green transport to and from the terminal.
Practical Information and Contact Details
For the most current flight status, services, and operational updates, passengers are advised to consult the official airport website.
- Official Website: www.zagreb-airport.hr
- Address: Pleso bb, 10150 Zagreb, CROATIA
- Telephone: +385 (0)1 4562222
- E-mail/Inquiries: Check the official website for specific contact forms.