Zadar has long been a summer-only affair on the flight schedules, but that is changing. A year-round connection between Zadar and Munich has now been confirmed, with winter operations locked in — a first step towards keeping Croatia's northern Dalmatian coast reachable through the quiet season.
The announcement came from Zadar County Prefect Josip Bilaver after a working meeting at the Zadar County House on 3 October 2026. He framed the Munich route as more than a tourism play: Munich is a major international hub, so the link effectively plugs Zadar into global air networks, and locals have already reacted positively. The route was first flagged roughly a year ago, and the winter leg is now officially on the books.
There could be more to come. Bilaver said talks have been held with other airlines as well as Croatia Airlines, and further year-round routes are expected next year. Zadar County, along with its tourist boards, cities and tourism sector, is prepared to co-finance new routes — industry representatives signalled months ago that they would chip in, with concrete amounts to be negotiated once specific proposals land on the table.
As for where those routes might go, Bilaver ruled out copying Split's winter link to Rome, arguing there's no point competing on the same route in winter. Instead, he wants Zadar hooked up to a different major European centre — Venice, Paris or London are the names in the frame.
For travellers, this is genuinely useful news. Zadar's old town, Roman ruins and sea organ have made it one of Dalmatia's most likeable stops, but winter visitors previously had to route through Split or Zagreb. A direct Munich link means easy access from Bavaria and one-stop connections from much of the world — and if Paris or London follow, the shoulder-season and winter city break becomes a realistic option rather than a logistical puzzle.
