AVIATION NEWS | OCTOBER 25, 2026
Austrian Airlines will discontinue its long-standing route between Vienna and Zagreb on January 10, 2027, ending more than four decades of service between the Austrian and Croatian capitals. The airline has also confirmed that the route will not return for the summer 2027 schedule.
The decision was confirmed by an Austrian Airlines spokesperson to aviation news outlet EX-YU Aviation News and reported by Croatian public broadcaster HRT on October 22, 2026.
A Route Operating for More Than 40 Years
Austrian Airlines began serving Zagreb in the mid-1980s. Although operations were interrupted during the Croatian War of Independence and the COVID-19 pandemic, the route remained an important link between the two capitals.
The airline has gradually reduced its capacity on the route in recent years. Its schedule previously included as many as 12 weekly flights, while the summer 2026 timetable offered approximately one daily service.
Vienna is an important hub for Austrian Airlines, providing connections to destinations across Europe and beyond. The withdrawal therefore affects not only passengers travelling directly between Vienna and Zagreb, but also travellers who use Vienna to connect to other international flights.
Croatia Airlines to Continue Vienna–Zagreb Flights
The end of Austrian Airlines' service does not mean that direct flights between the two capitals will disappear.
Croatia Airlines is scheduled to continue operating the Vienna–Zagreb route during the winter 2026/2027 season, with two daily flights planned. Passengers will therefore retain a direct air connection between the cities, although the available departure times and capacity may change.
Travellers planning onward connections through Vienna should check flight schedules carefully and allow sufficient time between flights. Booking connecting flights on a single ticket may provide additional protection if a disruption causes a missed connection, subject to the applicable conditions.
What Passengers Should Know
Passengers holding Austrian Airlines bookings for travel after January 10, 2027, should monitor their reservations and wait for the airline's instructions if their flight is affected.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable passenger-rights rules, affected travellers may be entitled to a refund or alternative transport. They should review the options provided by the airline before making separate travel arrangements.
Austrian Airlines Will Maintain Other Croatian Routes
Despite leaving Zagreb, Austrian Airlines will continue serving other Croatian destinations, including coastal airports such as Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar during their scheduled operating seasons.
The route withdrawal highlights how airlines continue to adjust their European networks in response to operational and commercial priorities. For Zagreb, maintaining access to major connecting hubs will remain important for both business and leisure travellers.
Sources
- EX-YU Aviation News – Austrian Airlines to Discontinue Zagreb Service
- HRT – Zagreb to Lose Long-Standing Vienna Air Link
- Croatia Airlines – Vienna Flight Schedule
Flight schedules may change. Passengers should confirm the latest information directly with their airline before travelling.
