The Croatian city of Dubrovnik is positioning itself as a strong contender for American Airlines‘ next European leisure destination. The city’s airport recently confirmed discussions with American Airlines and officials from its hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Currently, Dubrovnik only has a single nonstop connection to the United States, operated by United Airlines to New York. This interest in expanding routes highlights Dubrovnik’s growing reputation as a popular travel destination.
Dubrovnik has been experiencing a surge in tourism, marked by record passenger numbers. The city is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and historical significance, particularly its walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popularity of Dubrovnik has also been bolstered by its portrayal as King’s Landing in the acclaimed television series Game of Thrones. In 2024, the city is expected to welcome approximately 1.35 million arrivals and record around 4.2 million overnight stays, underscoring its appeal as a tourist hotspot.
American Airlines is currently in an expansion phase across the Atlantic, with plans to introduce new summer leisure routes from several hubs, including Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Chicago. The introduction of the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is particularly significant, as it is designed for long-and-thin transatlantic routes that do not require widebody aircraft. This presents a unique opportunity for American Airlines to revive its previous seasonal service from Philadelphia to Dubrovnik or establish a new route from Chicago.
American Airlines’ Strategic Vision
The airline’s international strategy focuses on a select number of hubs, promoting seasonal growth rather than aggressive year-round expansion. Major hubs like Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Miami, Chicago O’Hare, and New York’s JFK Airport primarily facilitate American’s long-haul network, connecting travelers to Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. American Airlines has shifted from rapid pre-pandemic expansions to a more cautious approach, selectively returning to secondary European markets like Prague and Budapest, while extending the operational seasons for established leisure routes.
The Airbus A321XLR will be pivotal for American Airlines, as it allows the carrier to explore new city pairs and seasonal routes. With a capacity of around 155 seats and a range of approximately 4,700 nautical miles, this aircraft is engineered for markets that require premium service but cannot support larger aircraft. Dubrovnik fits this profile perfectly, making it an attractive option for American Airlines as it seeks profitable leisure destinations.
Dubrovnik’s Tourist Appeal
Dubrovnik is characterized by its medieval architecture, featuring limestone streets and terracotta rooftops. The Old City, recognized for its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures, has been meticulously restored since the damage sustained during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s. The city has evolved into a cultural icon, notably attracting visitors due to its association with Game of Thrones.
Tourism has intensified, with Dubrovnik now among the most tourist-heavy cities in Europe, boasting over 27 visitors per resident. Local authorities are implementing strategies to enhance sustainable tourism, including caps on rental apartments and controlled access to the historic walls, to mitigate overtourism’s impact on the city’s heritage.
The combination of global recognition, a demand for premium leisure travel, and efforts to manage seasonality enhances Dubrovnik’s attractiveness as a Mediterranean destination. Tickets for potential new flights are expected to go on sale on November 3, with services slated to commence in March 2026.
Market Potential for American Airlines
Prior to the pandemic, American Airlines operated a seasonal route connecting Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Dubrovnik, which recorded nearly 18,000 passengers in 2019, with average load factors exceeding 80%. Following these discussions, Dubrovnik’s airport is actively pursuing a second US-based route alongside United Airlines’ existing service from Newark.
The growing number of US visitors to Croatia is encouraging; United Airlines is set to launch new flights from Newark to Split in 2026, indicating that the market can support more than one US route. Croatia’s national tourism strategy aims to attract long-haul markets from the US, further demonstrating the potential for a successful American Airlines route to Dubrovnik.
Currently, United Airlines is the only US carrier with nonstop service to Croatia, offering seasonal flights from Newark to Dubrovnik. The addition of a new American Airlines route would significantly enhance connectivity for travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.
Dubrovnik is ideally suited for the long-range capabilities of the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-8, which American Airlines utilizes for its transatlantic operations. This strategic fit aligns with American Airlines’ ongoing search for profitable leisure destinations that can leverage its extensive hub network.
The potential introduction of new routes to Dubrovnik could reshape the travel landscape between the United States and Croatia, offering greater accessibility to this stunning Mediterranean locale. As American Airlines evaluates its options, the focus will be on balancing high demand with optimal service routes, ensuring that Dubrovnik remains a viable destination in the airline’s portfolio.
