Croatia Airlines launched direct scheduled flights from Zagreb to Saint Petersburg

OREANDA-NEWS. Croatia Airlines launched direct scheduled flights from Zagreb (Croatia) to Saint Petersburg (Russia), starting June 2, 2016. The official opening ceremony took place in Pulkovo St Petersburg Airport on June 9, 2016. The route is serviced for the first in history, the flights will continue throughout the summer season 2016.

Travelers can now fly from the Northern capital of Russia to the capital of Croatia twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. Comfortable Airbus A319s with a capacity of 144 seats will be used on the route.

“The launch of the scheduled service to Croatia’s capital is a long awaited event for Saint Petersburg Airport. Today, St Petersburg is the only destination serviced by Croatia Airlines in Russia, and it’s an honor for Pulkovo to be a starting point for the carrier’s development in the Russian market, said Evgeniy Ilyin, Chief Commercial Officer of Northern Capital Gateway LLC, the operator of Pulkovo Airport.

Every year many Russians choose Croatia, the country of rich history, magnificent nature and landscape, as their vacation spot. At the same time, St Petersburg remains one of the most visited cities in Europe, while favorable Russian ruble exchange rate makes traveling to Russia even more attractive. It is our strong belief that the new Croatia Airlines service to St Petersburg will be in demand both among Russian and Croatian travelers”, noted Evgeniy Ilyin.

“We are delighted that St Petersburg has become the 35^th destination within Croatia Airlines’ network of flights. Our aircraft are now connecting two friendly cities whose bonds have been lasting for more than 50 years.

The Zagreb — St Petersburg route has been introduced for the first time in Croatia Airlines’ history. With direct flights on Thursdays and Sundays, we offer the citizens of St Petersburg and Russia the fastest and most convenient traffic connection with Croatia. I believe that Croatian citizens will also recognise the value of this route and use this opportunity to discover the beauties of the former capital of the Russian Empire and Russia in general”, said Kre?imir Ku?ko, President and CEO of Croatia Airlines

Before 2015, Pulkovo Airport only had direct air service with Croatian resorts Pula and Split. In 2010-2014, over 62,000 passengers used direct flights between the two cities and St Petersburg. In addition, more than 21,000 travelers flew from Pulkovo to Zagreb and back via transfers in other airports, in 2010-2014.

Zagreb — St Petersburg — Zagreb

*Local time