New flights from Glasgow to Dubrovnik

Glasgow Airport has secured Scotland’s first scheduled flights to the former Yugoslavia.

Croatia Airlines today said it would fly to the historic Adriatic resort of Dubrovnik this summer. The walled city, a haven for Scots package tourists before the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, is re-emerging as a holiday favourite.

Croatia Airlines believes the time is right for scheduled flights to a city previously only served by charters. The airline said it would initially run weekly this summer, but expected to expand the service in the future.

A spokeswoman said: “Scots are definitely coming back to Croatia and we want to test the market. The flights will operate between June 22 and July 27. We will see how things go and hope to be able to expand.”

The airline said it did not expect to run year-round services to Croatia from Scotland and the flights are aimed primarily at the tourist market. It will operate a 119-seat Airbus, but ticket prices have not been announced.

Dubrovnik was heavily shelled in 1991 and 1992 during a siege by Serb troops, but has since undergone a remarkable recovery.
The new flights will give Scots their first chance to package their own breaks, buying flights and accommodation themselves on the Dubrovnik Riviera.

A spokesman for BAA Scotland, which owns Glasgow Airport, said: “This is more good news for Glasgow Airport. Given the number of new routes announced of late, 2004 looks like being a bumper year.”