Croatia Airlines Secures PSO for Zagreb-Mostar Route

Exciting news for regional aviation! Croatia Airlines has successfully renewed its public service obligation (PSO) contract for the Zagreb Franjo Tuman (ZAG) to Mostar (OMO) route. This will see the airline operating three weekly flights, a continuation of their commitment to connect these significant cities. The Croatian government has allocated EUR1.75 million for 2026, with EUR950,000 earmarked specifically for financing the PSO route. This represents a EUR50,000 increase from 2025, reflecting the importance of maintaining and improving connectivity in the region.

It's interesting to see how crucial PSO contracts are in ensuring air connectivity for smaller markets, which might otherwise be unprofitable for airlines. The funds are also set to contribute towards broader improvements in air services, which could mean better infrastructure or enhanced service offerings.

What do you think about the role of PSO contracts in sustaining regional air travel? Do you believe this increase in funding will significantly impact the quality of service on this route? Share your thoughts!

The role of PSO contracts is indeed vital for maintaining air links in regions where routes may not be commercially viable. They ensure that smaller cities like Mostar remain accessible, which can have significant socio-economic benefits. This route in particular is important not just for local connectivity, but also for tourism, considering Mostar's cultural significance. The increased funding is encouraging, as it could lead to improvements in scheduling and aircraft utilization. I am curious whether Croatia Airlines plans to use specific aircraft for this route, like the Dash 8-Q400, which is well-suited for shorter, regional routes. Has anyone noticed any service enhancements since the last PSO contract was in place?