Zadar Airport

Zadar Airport (Zemunik) is not merely a transit hub, but a true sunny gateway to the very heart of Dalmatia. Located just a few minutes' drive from ancient Roman streets, it welcomes travellers with the scent of pine needles and the sea breeze immediately upon landing. This compact and welcoming air harbour serves as the ideal starting point for those dreaming of exploring the picturesque islands of the archipelago and the famous national parks of Croatia.

Airport Features and Highlights:

Despite its modest size, Zadar Airport demonstrates impressive development dynamics and offers passengers a high level of service. Thanks to its status as an important hub for low-cost carriers, it provides affordable flights to many European capitals.

Among the key advantages, one can highlight the speed of service: the compact terminal allows for completing all formalities in a matter of minutes, avoiding tiring queues. The airport is also known for its pilot training centre, including the Lufthansa Aviation Training base, which underscores its high technical equipment standards. For discerning travellers, a separate VIP terminal for business aviation is available.

To contact representatives of Zadar Airport (ZAD), obtain current flight information, or resolve any issues, you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.zadar-airport.hr. Here you will find the flight schedule, information on services, and the latest news.
• Information Desk Phone: +385 23 205 800. You can receive operational information about the airport's work at this number.
• Address: Ulica I/2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji, Croatia.
• Email for General Inquiries: info@zadar-airport.hr.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact +385 23 205 903 or write to the email: lost-found@zadar-airport.hr.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official Facebook page.
• Passenger Support: For all questions related to booking, flight check-in, or carriage regulations, it is recommended to contact your airline first. Airline contacts are usually listed on the airport's official website.

Zadar Airport (ZAD) is conveniently located just 8-9 kilometres from the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple. There are several ways to get from the airport to Zadar and back, suitable for any budget and preference.

The most economical and popular option is the shuttle bus, which runs between the airport and the main bus station of Zadar (Autobusni Kolodvor), with some services continuing to the Old Town. The bus schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. The trip takes about 20-25 minutes, and a ticket costing approximately 4-5 Euros can be purchased directly from the driver. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money.

For greater comfort, you can use taxi services or book a transfer in advance. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the city centre will take approximately 15-20 minutes but will cost significantly more than the bus — estimated at 25-35 Euros. This option is convenient if you are travelling with family, large luggage, or arriving late at night. A pre-booked transfer guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service in the arrivals hall.

If you plan to travel actively around Croatia and explore the picturesque surroundings, the best solution would be car rental. Offices of many international and local rental companies are located at Zadar Airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (summer), to ensure the best choice and a more favourable price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, official parking is provided right in front of the terminal building. Here you can leave your car for both short and long terms, which is convenient for those flying out for a few days.

Zadar Airport (ZAD) is a compact and modern aviation hub that is particularly busy during the summer tourist season. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation convenient even for those visiting for the first time.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is located under one roof. The terminal layout is logical: arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. Navigation is facilitated by signs in Croatian and English.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The departure zone is located in the main part of the terminal. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the security screening area. After passing control, passengers enter a small but comfortable waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor and includes baggage claim belts, customs control, as well as car rental offices, tourist information desks, and currency exchange.

Processing Time and Recommendations

During normal times, passing through check-in and screening at Zadar Airport takes no more than 30-40 minutes. However, during the peak season, from June to August, queues may arise due to the large number of charter flights. During this period, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 2-2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one. Overall, thanks to its compact size, orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy, and you are unlikely to encounter difficulties finding the necessary gate or service.

The history of Zadar Airport (ZAD) begins in 1968, when it was officially opened for civil transport. From the very beginning, the airport had a unique feature that made it known throughout Europe: one of its taxiways crossed the state road D422. Traffic on the road had to be stopped using barriers every time a plane taxied to or from the runway. Initially, it also served as an airbase for the Yugoslav Air Force, which defined its dual purpose — military and civil.

A key and tragic moment in the airport's history was the events of the early 1990s during the War of Independence in Croatia. The airport found itself in a combat zone and sustained serious damage, leading to a complete halt in operations. After the conflict ended, massive infrastructure restoration began. The reconstruction became a symbol of the region's revival, and by the late 90s, the airport began accepting flights again, gradually increasing passenger traffic.

A real breakthrough in the development of Zadar Airport occurred in 2007, when the Irish budget airline Ryanair opened its base here. This decision radically changed the airport's status, turning it into an important international hub for tourists travelling to Northern Dalmatia. The sharp increase in passenger numbers required modernisation: in 2008, a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was opened, capable of handling the growing traffic.

An interesting fact: the practice of planes crossing the car road continued until April 2010, when a new taxiway was built bypassing the highway. Today, Zadar Airport continues to play a key role in the tourism industry of Croatia, remaining one of the main bases for the country's Air Force and an important aerial gateway connecting the Adriatic coast with dozens of European cities.

Zadar Airport (ZAD) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for the convenience of travellers arriving in or departing from Croatia.

Within the airport, you will find cafes and lounges where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. For those wishing to shop, a Duty Free store is available. It features a wide range of goods: from local delicacies and souvenirs to perfumes, beverages, and tobacco products.

Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as charge their electronic devices in designated areas. For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP lounge offering a quiet atmosphere, snacks, and drinks away from the general noise.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points (Mjenjačnica), which is particularly convenient for tourists arriving in the country. In case of need, a first aid station operates at the airport.

For passengers with children, a mother and child room is provided, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Travellers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance and escort. It is recommended to book this service through the airline at least 48 hours before departure.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, there are many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget within a few minutes' drive. For business travellers, business lounge services are available where one can work or hold a meeting in a quiet setting.

Zadar Airport (ZAD) is a compact regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is not as extensive as in major international airports, but quite sufficient for a snack before departure or while waiting for arrivals. The main cafes and restaurant are located in the single passenger terminal.

In the public area (landside), before passing security control, lies the airport's main restaurant-cafe. This is the best place for a full lunch or dinner. Here you can leisurely enjoy hot dishes, salads, or hearty sandwiches. This establishment is suitable for both departing passengers who have time before check-in and for those meeting arrivals. Its opening hours usually cover most of the airport's operational day, from early morning until late evening.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), a cafe-bar is available to passengers. The assortment here is oriented towards quick bites: coffee, tea, soft drinks, beverages, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is an ideal option to pass the time immediately before boarding your flight. Typically, this establishment remains open until the departure of the last flight.

The menu mainly offers standard European and Croatian snacks. Travellers can try sandwiches with Dalmatian cured meat (pršut) or local cheese. Regarding special dietary needs, finding basic vegetarian options such as salads or cheese sandwiches is quite possible. However, the choice for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, is extremely limited, so passengers with specific requirements are advised to verify information on-site or bring snacks with them.

Prices in Zadar Airport establishments correspond to the average level for airports — they are higher than in the city. For a quick snack, the cafe in the departure zone is best suited, while for a more substantial meal, it is worth choosing the restaurant in the public part of the terminal.

Planning is the key to a calm start to your journey. To avoid unnecessary stress at the airport, use our tips to help you orient yourself at Zadar Airport.

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic and Schengen flights. If you have an international flight outside the Schengen area, it is better to arrive 2.5-3 hours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (from June to August) when the airport is busiest.

Check-in and Control: The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters if you are travelling with hand luggage only. The airport in Zadar is small, but security control can take time. Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance, and ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are packed according to regulations.

Seat Selection: When flying out of or arriving in Zadar, try to secure a window seat. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast and numerous islands. Often, the most picturesque panoramas are visible from the left side upon landing and from the right side upon takeoff.

Baggage Rules: Standard international rules apply here: liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the weight and dimension limits for hand luggage with your airline to avoid extra charges.

Connecting Passengers: Zadar Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transit hub. If you have a connection planned, be sure to clarify whether you will need to collect your luggage and go through check-in and security control again, especially when changing airlines.

Customs Control: Croatia is a member of the EU and the Schengen area. If you are arriving from another Schengen country, you do not need to pass passport control. For passengers from non-EU countries, customs inspection is provided. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are traditionally higher than in the city. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay, monitor information on the departure boards and contact your airline representative. Keep all receipts for food and drinks purchased during the wait, as they may be required for compensation. If the flight is operated by a European airline or departs from the EU, your rights are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004.