Croatia Airlines Strengthens Travel Links With Year-Round Dubrovnik–Rome Route Boosting Connectivity and Tourism Opportunities Across Both Countries

Published on December 5, 2025

Croatia Airlines has expanded its operations with the introduction of a year-round Dubrovnik–Rome route, a move set to strengthen the connection between Croatia and Italy. This decision comes in response to strong passenger demand and the strategic significance of linking Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, with Rome, the vibrant Italian capital. Initially launched as a seasonal service during the summer months, the route will now operate throughout the year, making it more accessible to both leisure and business travelers.

The new year-round service will operate twice a week—on Thursdays and Sundays during the winter months, and Saturdays and Sundays in the summer. This expanded schedule aims to accommodate the growing demand for travel between these two culturally rich cities. Return fares for the Dubrovnik–Rome route start from €140, available for booking on the official Croatia Airlines website. The airline’s decision to offer this year-round service is in response to the positive reception the seasonal route received during the summer, with high passenger numbers indicating the potential for continued success.

This winter, Croatia Airlines will serve 27 international routes connecting six Croatian airports—Zagreb, Osijek, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Rijeka—with 17 European destinations, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Zurich. The expansion of the Dubrovnik–Rome route further solidifies Croatia Airlines’ role as a key player in connecting Croatia with important European cities, enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure and providing more travel options to passengers.

The route’s extension to a year-round service also reflects the growing importance of Dubrovnik as a year-round travel destination. Anamarija Jurinjak, Head of Marketing at Croatia Airlines, emphasized that the airline is ramping up its winter operations by extending seasonal routes and increasing both seat availability and flight frequencies compared to last year. In addition to the Dubrovnik–Rome route, Croatia Airlines has also extended its service to Frankfurt throughout the winter, ensuring passengers can travel from Dubrovnik to other major European hubs.

The extended Dubrovnik–Rome service is a significant development for both Croatia and Italy. Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, expressed that the year-round connection would position Dubrovnik as a key destination not only during the summer but also in the colder months, making the region attractive to visitors year-round. Julijo Srgota, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, also highlighted the importance of the new route in supporting the region’s tourism industry, drawing visitors to both the city of Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas.

Croatia Airlines’ expanded service further strengthens the appeal of Dubrovnik as a destination for business and leisure travelers alike. The year-round connection offers increased convenience for travelers, especially those seeking to explore Dubrovnik’s rich history and picturesque landscapes outside of the peak summer season. With its mild Mediterranean climate, historic old town, and vibrant cultural scene, Dubrovnik has long been a sought-after destination for international travelers. This new route allows visitors to experience the city’s charm during the winter months, when the region is also home to exciting winter festivals and cultural events.

Supporting the initiative, the travel agency Obzor putovanja has launched special travel packages for trips to Dubrovnik and introduced Fly&Drive services targeting the Italian market. These services aim to make travel between Italy and Dubrovnik more convenient, further promoting Dubrovnik as an accessible and appealing destination.

Viviana Vukelić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s office in Italy, also spoke about the significance of the new route. She noted that the year-round service enhances Dubrovnik’s status as a premier Mediterranean destination and opens up new opportunities for business and leisure travel. The extension of the route to winter operations makes Dubrovnik an even more attractive destination for Italian tourists, particularly those interested in experiencing Croatia’s winter season.

Winter in Dubrovnik offers a different experience, with the city hosting various Advent events that celebrate Croatian traditions. From exceptional cuisine to wellness experiences and a festive atmosphere, Dubrovnik provides a unique winter getaway. These offerings, combined with the new year-round route, promise to attract more tourists looking to explore the beauty of Croatia in the off-season. The route’s extension aligns with the efforts of the Croatian National Tourist Board and local stakeholders to promote tourism beyond the summer months and diversify the types of travelers visiting the region.

Croatia Airlines is strengthening air connectivity with its new year-round Dubrovnik–Rome route, responding to rising demand and offering travelers year-round access to both iconic destinations. This move enhances convenience and opens new opportunities for both leisure and business travel.

The launch of the Dubrovnik–Rome year-round service underscores Croatia Airlines’ commitment to enhancing air connectivity and supporting Croatia’s tourism sector. It marks a significant step in providing travelers with more options and flexibility, allowing them to visit Dubrovnik throughout the year and explore all that this UNESCO World Heritage city has to offer. With its expanded international network, Croatia Airlines continues to play a crucial role in connecting Croatia to key European markets, paving the way for further growth in the tourism and business sectors.