Zagreb Airport is planning to expand its facilities and is expected to handle a record passenger throughput of over 4 million by 2024. The airport has signed an agreement with France's Alstef Group to introduce a new check-in island with 15 check-in counters, bringing the total to 60. Work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year, in time for summer 2025. In addition, Alstef will integrate an additional security line and full set of conveyors to connect the new check-in area with the existing security and makeup carousel system. Enhancements also include the construction of a new steel platform to support the expanded infrastructure, as well as upgrades to Alstef's monitoring and data acquisition and system automation control systems to ensure operational stability. The new project builds on the airport baggage handling system first installed by Alstef in 2014. The company also operates regionally and recently installed a new baggage handling system at Belgrade Airport.
Under the existing concession agreement, Zagreb Airport's operating consortium, Zagreb Airport International Company (ZAIC), is obliged to start expanding the terminal by the end of March of the year when it is expected to receive its 5 millionth passenger. Before the coronavirus pandemic, this was expected to happen in 2026, and will continue to happen after the global health emergency. According to the original plan, the expansion would be carried out in several smaller sub-phases, including expanding the departure area, adding new gates and installing twin aerobridges. According to original plans, the expansion would include the construction of a new apron capable of handling wide-body aircraft.
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| Zagreb Airport’s pre-pandemic expansion plan from 2026 (Phases 2A – 2D) |
The airport may choose a different expansion strategy, with much of the passenger growth over the past two years coming from low-cost carrier Ryanair. Croatia Airlines said airport management is planning to reopen its old terminal to low-cost carriers so Ryanair can maintain the discounted fees it enjoys under its existing incentive contract, which is valid until mid-2026. These claims have never been confirmed by the airport management itself, although the Croatian Ministry of Maritime, Transport and Infrastructure said it had held discussions on the matter. The state is willing to extend the concession of Zagreb Airport to its operator Zagreb Airport International Company (ZAIC) by three years and nine months if the consortium operating the airport returns the old terminal to normal operations. The existing concession at Zagreb Airport is valid until 2042.
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