Factsheet for measure
HR-2024-16/3563
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Updated
– measures in Croatia
The Zadar airport becomes green
Zadarska zračna luka postaje zelena
Background information
The Zadar airport plans to commence its expansion project in order to cater for additional traffic and enable long haul flights. Work on the project, initially planned to commence in 2020, began after the 2023 summer season. The terminal expansion is a comprehensive capital project and will be undertaken in several phases, which will take some time to complete. Zadar Airport is gradually becoming the first 'green' airport. It is an electrification project, upon completion of which it will fit into the green policies of the European Commission. For this purpose, Zadar Airport has secured EUR sixteen million in funding to establish an environmentally friendly aircraft power supply system that harnesses renewable energy sources.
Content of measure
Zadar Airport presented its expansion plans, which include a new terminal building and an overhaul of the existing runway. The project includes the installation of state-of-the-art aircraft power supply units on the apron, advanced electrical equipment for handling aircraft, and the establishment of a cutting-edge photovoltaic power plant. The majority of the funding, a total of ten million euros, will be provided by the European Union. Zadar Airport plans to build a completely new terminal building. The architectural design of the facility has been inspired by the pine forest surrounding the airport and will have a glass roof with solar panels which will improve the terminal’s overall energy efficiency. The building will also boast nine gates, a baggage sorting facility, two baggage carrousels and the capacity to seat 1.480 people.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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17 August 2025
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Zadar Airport has been recording steady growth in the number of flights, passengers and destinations in recent years, which is the result of investments in infrastructure, service improvements, green transition, and the attractiveness of Zadar and the surrounding region as a tourist destination. In the latest report by the 'Airports Council International', Zadar Airport was declared the fourth fastest growing airport in Europe. Work on the construction of infrastructure, new capacities, and green transition is progressing well. Thus, the first phase of expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Five new destinations were introduced in 2025, bringing the total to 77 routes to more than 50 European destinations. The Airport is expected to continue increasing traffic, and upcoming investments in capacity expansion and infrastructure modernization will further strengthen its position on the map of airports in the region.
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17 November 2024
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Zadar Airport presented the goals and results of the project titled 'Electrification and Greening of the Aircraft Reception and Dispatch System and Aircraft Electrical Power Supply', co-financed by the European Union as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026. The total value of the project is €16.3 million, of which €9.3 million are provided as grants. The project implementation period spanned from 1 October 2021 to 31 October 2024. The key result of the project is the successfully implemented electrified and environmentally friendly system for receiving and dispatching aircraft. Fixed connections for the electrical supply of the aircraft were implemented, and 10 fixed connections for the electrical supply of the aircraft (Ground Power Unit) were installed. The use of diesel-powered aggregates to power the aircraft has been replaced by the use of electricity from underground connections. Equipment that uses diesel fuel was replaced with environmentally friendly equipment for the reception and dispatch of aircraft: an electric aircraft push vehicle, a remote-controlled electric aircraft push vehicle, five electric vehicles for pulling baggage carts, electric self-propelled stairs, and an electric bus were acquired for transporting passengers to/from the aircraft. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on conventional energy sources were reduced.
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Use of measure
An overhaul of the runway and its extension by 700 metres, to 3.200 metres, is also in the works, while the apron and existing terminal will be overhauled. Next to the solar panels, there are electric push carts for aircraft, electric luggage carts, self-propelled electric stairs. The airport has plans to build a railway to the Gaženica port with the train terminal to be located in the underground car park. Rail link is primarily meant as a link to the existing cruise ship port, the aim being of Zadar becoming the cruise ship homeport. The rail would run for the most part on the existing tracks to the intermodal terminal in the port. In addition to the ecological benefits for the environment, upon completion of the project, the Airport will not only cover all its electricity needs, but will also sell the electricity.
Contents
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Does not apply to workers
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Other businesses
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Applies to all citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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Company / Companies
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Companies
European Funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement as case not in social partner domain
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No involvement as case not in social partner domain
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Company level
Involvement
Social partners were not involved because this case is not in social partner domain. However, social partners always support green transition and protection of environment. Social partners are fully aware of the importance of environment protection and promote all activities which are oriented in the nature protection.
Views and reactions
In Croatia, fostering a green transition necessitates collaboration among social partners – government, businesses, and trade unions. Effective policies must balance environmental sustainability with economic growth, ensuring equitable participation and benefit distribution. Companies and Government initiatives promoting renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green jobs require buy-in from industry stakeholders, encouraging investment in eco-friendly practices. Engaging civil society through education and advocacy enhances public awareness and support for green initiatives. Collaborative efforts foster innovation, driving Croatia towards a greener future while addressing social concerns and promoting inclusive development. Through cohesive action, social partners propel Croatia towards sustainable prosperity amidst the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.
Sectors and occupations
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This case is sector-specific
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Economic area
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Sector (NACE level 2)
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H - Transportation And Storage
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H51 Air transport
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This case is not occupation-specific.
Sources
