Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair is expanding its European route network in the upcoming winter flight schedule with a new connection between Warsaw-Modlin Airport and Zagreb. From October 26, 2026, the airline will connect the Polish capital with the Croatian metropolis twice weekly.
While there is no direct competition on the specific route from Modlin, the state-owned airline LOT Polish Airlines already operates the connection between Warsaw's main airport, Chopin, and Zagreb. With the new route, Ryanair is primarily targeting budget-conscious city travelers and business travelers who use the secondary airport located approximately 40 kilometers from Warsaw's city center.
Additional market analysis highlights that Zagreb has become a strategically important location for Ryanair in Southeast Europe in recent years. Since opening its base there in 2021, the airline has continuously expanded its services to challenge Croatia Airlines' market dominance. The new connection to Warsaw-Modlin is part of a broader expansion in which Ryanair is increasingly focusing on direct flights between Central and Eastern European capitals. Experts point out that the winter flight frequencies were specifically chosen to meet the demand for extended weekend trips.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport benefits significantly from this decision, as the airport had recently faced the withdrawal of some flight routes and negotiations over airport fees. Ryanair's deployment of additional capacity solidifies Modlin's importance as a key hub for ultra-low-cost carriers in the Polish market. At the same time, the airline is further expanding its services in Croatia, with Zagreb serving as a year-round destination, while coastal cities like Zadar and Split will primarily be served seasonally. By utilizing Boeing 737-800 and the more modern 737-8200 "Gamechanger" aircraft, the airline can offer high seat capacity on these routes while maintaining low operating costs per passenger.
From an economic perspective, the new route reflects the trend toward consolidation in European regional air travel. Ryanair is consistently exploiting the cost advantages at secondary airports like Modlin to gain market share from traditional network airlines operating from more expensive main airports. For passengers from the Masovian region, the connection offers a cost-effective alternative for travel to the Balkans, while Croatian travelers gain improved access to the Polish market. According to industry sources, booking figures for the new route are already considered stable shortly after the start of sales, indicating significant pent-up demand in Eastern European travel.