From the first steps to the present day

Dubrovnik Airport is one of nine airports in Croatia. It was first built in 1936, in Gruda, Konavle. During WW2, the traffic was temporarily stopped, and in 1962, the airport was relocated to its current location, near Čilipi village. In May 1962, the current (and fourth) location of Dubrovnik Airport saw its first official airplane landing. The flights have continued to this day, made possible by sixty years of hard work, growth, and continued modernisation, as well as generations of people who grew, learned and lived off and for this airport. The flights have continued to this day, made possible by sixty years of hard work, growth, and continued modernization, as well as generations of people who grew, learned, and lived off and for this airport.

"Throughout generations, it has been a place of happy arrivals and hopeful departures, warm welcomes and goodbyes, the place of work, progress and constant improvement, a place where everyone is welcome. A place of security and care for others, a place that strives for excellence and modesty. A place of setting records. We rightly call it “our airport.” From harsh times in 1991 to this day, from a simple concrete strip to the modern 3300-meter-long runway, from short distance domestic routes to intercontinental flights, and with three million passengers annually, all of that is our airport!"

From the monograph “60 Years of Dubrovnik Airport” by Mario Raguž

Former appearance

Wartime period

Landmark years of the new millennium

2012

Second best airport in Europe in the category of up to 5 million passengers.

2015

Dubrovnik became the first city in the former Yugoslavian region to welcome the latest Boeing B787 Dreamliner at its airport.

2016

Dubrovnik Airport was awarded the flattering title of the fastest growing airport in the wider region of former Yugoslavia, while its passenger traffic reached the magic number of 2 million.

2017

Beginning of the new era for Dubrovnik Airport, as well as for Dubrovnik tourism in general. This year marked the realisation of the largest and most important reconstruction in the history of the Airport. The 227 million “Dubrovnik Airport Development” project (February 2013 -May 2017) undoubtedly represents its “ticket for the future.” 73% of the project funding was provided by the EU. The other 27% was funded from working capital, as well as through a loan from the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and two loans from the European Investment Bank.

2019

It was a landmark year for air traffic in southern Croatia, with Dubrovnik Airport's annual passenger count reaching 2,896,227. It was also the year that the Airport saw its first intercontinental flight from the US, following a 28-year-long break.

2020

Showing its human face during the period of health crisis, when the whole world ground to a halt, Dubrovnik Airport reduced the volume of its business, successfully retaining all its full-time staff. The business liquidity was aided by the Croatian Government through relief funds and through other activities. The Airport played an important role in the transportation of much needed medical equipment to Dubrovnik, as well as facilitating the arrival of doctors and other medical personnel and the evacuation of patients. With the gradual return to normal operations in 2021, the number of passengers has grown again, with continued investments in the equipment and infrastructure.

2023

In honor of one of Dubrovnik's greatest citizens and world-renowned scientists, Dubrovnik Airport has officially changed its name to Dubrovnik Airport "Ruđer Bošković." Proudly bearing the name of one of the most prominent figures in Croatian history, Ruđer Bošković Airport commemorates his exceptional contributions to physics, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Born in Dubrovnik, Bošković's groundbreaking work left an indelible mark on the global scientific community. His innovation and dedication to research are reflected in the modern airport that now connects Dubrovnik with the rest of the world, celebrating the culture and heritage of this historic region. The change of the airport's name is accompanied by the implementation of the entire new visual identity. 

2024

A Record-Breaking Year for Ruđer Bošković Airport Ruđer Bošković Airport reached a historic milestone in 2024, offering connections to over 70 destinations and accommodating more than 45 carriers. The airport welcomed nearly 3 million travelers from around the world, setting a new benchmark in passenger traffic. This remarkable achievement opens the 'Gate of Dubrovnik' to millions of visitors, providing them with opportunities to discover the unparalleled beauty of our destination. In addition to the record number of passengers, the establishment of a Ryanair base was a key highlight of the year. Another standout moment was the agreement with United Airlines to launch daily flights to New York in 2025. These flights will run from early May to late September, with a reduced schedule of weekly rotations continuing into October. Ruđer Bošković Airport remains the only airport in Croatia with direct connections to the United States of America. To commemorate this record-breaking year, a photo monograph was published, showcasing significant moments, achievements, and the journey to success.