Direct flights between Croatia and the United States are back in the realms of possibility after the Croatian Minister of Tourism, Gari Cappelli, announced that negotiations are underway.

Flights between the two countries were stopped 22 years ago and after years of speculation that they would be reintroduced it would appear that the new minister has brought negotiations back to the table. "We are in serious negotiations over the introduction of year-long flights from Croatia to New York, most likely from Zagreb and Dubrovnik, even from Split," commented the minister at the end of last week.

The most likely result is that direct flights would begin during the summer of 2018 and a year-round operation is planned. Both European and US airlines have been approached to operate these flights, however according to a report on the specialised website Ex-Yu Aviation both Delta and American Airlines have stated that they have no plans to start flights to Zagreb. According to the minister the Croatian Embassy in Washington is the lead partner in negotiations and is holding talks with potential operators.

Direct flights from the US to Croatia would certainly help the country’s tourism industry, as well as provide a link to the Croatian Diaspora living in the US. There were plans to operate flights to Dubrovnik Airport, an idea that the former Mayor of Dubrovnik was heavily backing. However so far nothing has come from these talks.