Delta Air Lines is launching its first direct route between Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik Airport) and New York City (JFK International Airport) this summer.
"Croatia was the first European country to open its borders to American citizens. Croatia is a popular tourist destination for Americans and we are responding to the high demand for travel with our first direct line to Dubrovnik", said Joe Esposito, Delta's Senior Vice President - Network Planning in a press release. "We are excited to do business in this new European market and we look forward to welcoming Delta Air Lines' new customers. In return, we are supporting the local economy and global travel recovery."
New route kicking off on July 3, 2021
Delta will fly non-stop between Dubrovnik and New York four times a week starting July 3, 2021.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated, have a negative PCR test, or evidence of a recent recovery from COVID-19 can enjoy Croatia's rich history, beautiful landscapes and endless outdoor excursions carefree.
General Manager of Dubrovnik Airport Frano Luetić commented: "We are happy and proud that Delta, one of the world's best airlines, is introducing this direct route from New York-JFK to Dubrovnik. This line will significantly contribute to encouraging the return of American visitors to Dubrovnik, but also to Croatia in general, in these difficult times."
Timetables and flight details
Delta will operate its new route to Dubrovnik with a Boeing 767-300ER, which has a capacity of 226 seats, along with amenities like entertainment screens with hundreds of hours of on-demand TV shows, movies, music and more; paid Wi-Fi services; and free mobile messaging.
The flights will take place in cooperation with Delta's European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic according to the following schedule:
Dubrovnik to New York-JFK
- Flight: 185
- Departure from Dubrovnik: 1PM
- Arrival in New York: 5:15PM
- Days: Wed / Fri / Sat / Sun
New York-JFK to Dubrovnik
- Flight: 184
- Departure from New York: 7:30PM
- Arrival in Dubrovnik: 10:45AM (next day)
- Days: Tue / Thu / Fri / Sat
Welcoming the new flights, Croatia's Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac stated: "We are very satisfied with Delta Air Lines' decision to establish the NY-Dubrovnik line this summer. Croatia has been open to American tourists since the beginning of April, given they have evidence of vaccination or recovery, or a negative PCR or antigen test and confirmation of a reservation. Our national Safe Stay in Croatia campaign ensures the highest epidemiological standards for all visitors and we look forward to welcoming American tourists again soon."
A personal connection between the US and Croatia
The US is home to a large Croatian diaspora, with about 1.2 million Croats living across the US, including in New York. One of the perks of Delta's new line is a closer connection between the diaspora and Croatia.
Delta will offer travellers coming in from Croatia convenient, same-day connections from JFK to cities all over the US. The goal is to help friends and families easily reconnect, and foster business and tourist travel in general, as well.
"With the introduction of Delta's new flight, Croatia will be better connected to the US than ever before. This is incredible news: we will see an increase in the number of American visitors this season, which is especially important for destinations in southern Croatia, which are extremely popular among Americans", said the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić.
About Delta Air Lines
Delta is one of the world's largest airlines. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta had up to 200 million passengers each year prior to COVID-19. The carrier's global network encompassed up to 300 destinations in more than 50 countries. Delta's European footprint stretches from the United Kingdom to Greece, with many destinations also accessible via Delta's hubs in Amsterdam, London and Paris.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Delta has been heavily focused on the health and safety of its passengers and employees. To protect them during their travels, the airline has implemented over 100 health and safety measures in its already rigorous cleanliness protocols, which the airline calls Delta CareStandard.