American Airlines is considering adding the Croatian city of Dubrovnik as its next international leisure destination. High-level discussions are reportedly underway between Dubrovnik Airport and officials from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), indicating a strong interest in expanding direct flights to the United States. Currently, the only nonstop service from Dubrovnik to the U.S. is provided by United Airlines, which operates a single route to the New York area.
With its picturesque walled Old Town, Dubrovnik has gained prominence as a tourist hotspot, attracting record numbers of visitors. The city’s appeal has been amplified by its role as a filming location for the popular television series Game of Thrones. In 2024 alone, Dubrovnik is expected to welcome approximately 1.35 million arrivals and record around 4.2 million overnight stays. This surge in tourism underscores the demand for additional direct connections to the U.S.
American Airlines is currently expanding its European routes, planning to launch several summer leisure destinations from its hubs, including Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago. The airline is set to utilize its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, designed for long, thin markets that might not support larger widebody planes. This shift positions Dubrovnik as a compelling option for the airline, especially given its previous seasonal route from Philadelphia to Dubrovnik that recorded nearly 18,000 passengers in 2019.
Strategic Fit for American Airlines
American Airlines’ international strategy has shifted towards a more measured approach, focusing on profitable leisure markets rather than aggressive year-round expansion. The airline’s major hubs like Philadelphia, Miami, and New York’s JFK Airport are pivotal in connecting U.S. travelers to Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. In recent years, American has reintroduced flights to secondary European destinations such as Prague and Budapest, while also enhancing connectivity to major cities like Athens and Milan.
The upcoming Airbus A321XLR, with a range of approximately 4,700 nautical miles and a capacity of about 155 seats, is tailored for routes like Dubrovnik. This aircraft will allow American Airlines to explore new city pairs and seasonal routes more effectively. The demand for leisure travel during peak seasons aligns well with Dubrovnik’s profile, making it a prime candidate for service expansion.
The Allure of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s unique blend of historical charm and modern tourism makes it one of Europe’s standout destinations. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts remarkable Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, which has been meticulously restored following the Balkan conflict of the 1990s. As tourism flourishes, local authorities are implementing measures to promote sustainable travel and manage visitor numbers to preserve the city’s integrity.
The increase in U.S. visitors to Croatia is evident, with a significant rise in interest over the past few years. Croatia’s national tourism strategy highlights long-haul markets as key growth areas, and the Croatian government is actively pursuing more nonstop flights to the United States. The current lack of competition from other U.S. airlines, aside from United’s seasonal service, presents an opportunity for American Airlines to establish a foothold in the region.
While American Airlines has not yet confirmed any new routes, the combination of Dubrovnik’s tourism potential, its previous successful operations, and the airline’s strategic goals point towards a promising partnership. Tickets for any potential new flights are anticipated to go on sale in early November, with services likely commencing in March 2024.
As American Airlines weighs its options, Dubrovnik stands ready to welcome more travelers, solidifying its status as a sought-after Mediterranean destination.
