ZAGREB, 2 April (Hina) – Croatia Airlines carried over 405,000 passengers in the first quarter of this year, a record result in the company’s history, the Croatian flag carrier reported on Thursday, warning that a sharp rise in fuel prices will affect its business performance.

Passenger numbers increased by 22%, or around 74,000, compared with last year. The company noted that the crisis caused by the war in the Middle East and the surge in jet fuel prices came at a time of strong growth, as it is implementing its largest-ever project – the replacement of its fleet with Airbus A220 aircraft.

The company is continuing the project and adjusting its operational and commercial activities to mitigate pressures stemming from volatile energy prices and complex geopolitical conditions.

Fuel is one of the largest costs in the aviation industry, and market disruptions have driven prices higher, affecting all carriers. The current situation is expected to impact results in the coming period, the company stated in its press release

Last year, revenues amounted to €269.4 million (+6%), while the operating loss reached €36.3 million, more than double the previous year.

At the end of 2025, the fleet consisted of 16 aircraft: four Airbus A319, one Airbus A320, four Q400s, and seven Airbus A220s.