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Dubrovnik Airport Reports 13% Increase in Easter Visitors
Global instability from the Iran war and surging fuel prices has introduced unpredictability to Croatia's tourism sector, particularly in Dubrovnik. Officials report strong early numbers but express caution for the upcoming summer. Visitor data shows increases over Easter, while inflation rises and fuel supply concerns persist.
May 2, 7:30 AM·1m read3 sources
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DUBROVNIK, Croatia — Dubrovnik airport recorded a 13% rise in visitors over the Easter period compared with the same period last year, according to Marina Ruso Mileusnic, spokeswoman for the airport. Easter fell in 2026. Around 80% of visitors arrive by plane, and the airport is connected to some 70 airports worldwide, Mileusnic said.
The American market remains strong for Dubrovnik tourism, though some Australian travelers are facing difficulties traveling to Europe, she added. Australians are typically among the top 10 nations visiting Dubrovnik. The streets of the old town were already teeming with tourists from around the world even though summer was still months away.
Dubrovnik is a UNESCO-protected heritage city known for its medieval history, seafront location, and churches and palaces within its stone walls. It sits at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline. Tourism is one of Croatia’s key sources of income and is largely dependent on international travelers, with 28 million visitors recorded according to the national tourism board.
Spirit Airlines shut down amid rising fuel prices, though the Iran war “was not the impetus” for the shutdown, according to Duffy. Ramon Padiernos, a Singapore businessman, swapped his usual carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways for Turkish Airlines because of the crisis in the Middle East but still reached Dubrovnik.
Fatih Birol warned in an interview with the AP in early April 2026 that Europe has just weeks of jet fuel supplies. Apostolos Tzitzikostas said there is no actual evidence of shortages in the 27-nation bloc. The article was published on May 2, 2026.
Jovana Gec contributed to the report.
