Following the expiry of the previous contract period for the provision of domestic scheduled air services under the PSO programme, part of the domestic routes operated from Osijek Airport have been temporarily suspended.

According to publicly available information, the existing contractual framework expired at the end of March 2026, after which operations on the routes operated by Trade Air were suspended. The Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure states that a new programme and procedure for the continuation of PSO services are currently being prepared, with the timeline linked to alignment with European Union state aid rules. The Ministry also points out that this is not a discontinuation of the programme, but a temporary suspension of part of the flights until the required procedure is completed.

Osijek Airport does not decide on the launch of the procedure or on the contracting of PSO obligations. The contractual relationship within the PSO programme is concluded between the competent ministry and the air carrier, while airports are not a party to that contract. At the same time, Osijek Airport underlines that PSO traffic plays an important role in ensuring domestic air connectivity.

Its importance does not relate only to direct domestic flights, but also to the possibility of onward connections through larger airports, primarily Zagreb and Split, which is particularly important for many passengers. This model of connectivity is especially significant for smaller and regional airports, but also for the overall domestic air transport system in the Republic of Croatia.

This situation further confirms the importance of a stable, timely and long-term sustainable model of domestic air connectivity, in the interest of passengers, regions and all stakeholders involved. Osijek Airport continues to consider quality air connectivity of eastern Croatia important for citizens’ mobility, regional accessibility and its overall development.

(Photo: Trade Air)