British Airways is expanding its European network with a new direct route from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Split Airport (SPU) in Croatia. Flights begin on September 7, 2024, utilizing the efficient and comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft. This new service adds to British Airways’ extensive portfolio of European destinations, providing travelers with more options to explore Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline.
The new route is expected to attract both leisure travelers and those visiting for business purposes, as Split continues to gain popularity as a top European destination. This strategic move by British Airways not only strengthens their presence in the UK-Croatia travel market but also supports the growing demand for air travel between the two countries.
Split, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, charming old town, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to some of the country’s most stunning islands, Split has become a key gateway for both domestic and international travelers.
For British travelers, flying directly from London Stansted, a major airport serving the East of England, to Split offers easier access to Croatia’s second-largest city and the surrounding regions. This new route eliminates the need for connecting flights, significantly reducing travel time and making it more appealing for holidaymakers and short-term visitors looking for a seamless journey to the Adriatic.
British Airways has long recognized the appeal of Split for UK travelers, particularly as Croatia’s tourism sector continues to thrive. With British visitors among the largest groups of tourists in Croatia, this new route will not only boost tourism between the two countries but also provide a valuable connection for business travelers, expatriates, and Croatian nationals living in the UK.
The new London Stansted to Split route will be operated by British Airways’ Embraer E190 aircraft, a jet well-suited for short to medium-haul routes. The E190 is a narrow-body aircraft with a seating capacity of approximately 100 passengers, providing a comfortable and efficient option for flights within Europe. The aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency, low noise levels, and spacious cabin design, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for passengers. The E190’s advanced aerodynamics and reliability make it ideal for flights like the Stansted-Split route, where both comfort and operational efficiency are crucial.
British Airways has equipped its E190 aircraft with spacious leather seats and generous legroom, offering passengers a premium travel experience even on shorter routes. Additionally, the cabin layout includes larger windows, providing excellent views for passengers as they fly over the picturesque European landscapes. With the capacity to operate out of smaller airports like London Stansted and access Split’s growing international airport, the E190 allows British Airways to offer greater flexibility and convenience for travelers. The introduction of this aircraft on the route is part of the airline’s broader strategy to ensure that its fleet meets the evolving needs of its passengers, delivering both reliability and comfort.
The timing of British Airways’ launch of this new route could not be more strategic, as demand for leisure travel continues to rise. Croatia, with its stunning beaches, historic cities, and beautiful islands, remains a favorite destination for UK holidaymakers, especially during the summer months. The direct connection between London Stansted and Split provides an easy way for British travelers to reach the Adriatic coast, making it more accessible for both weekend getaways and extended vacations.
Split’s appeal goes beyond its tourism offerings. The city is also a growing hub for business and innovation, particularly in the technology, shipping, and service industries. With its strategic location and expanding infrastructure, Split is attracting increasing foreign investment, making it a key destination for business travelers from the UK. The new British Airways route provides a reliable, direct link for professionals needing to travel between the UK and Split for meetings, conferences, and other business engagements.
Additionally, Split serves as a jumping-off point for exploring the wider Dalmatian region, including destinations like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula, some of Croatia’s most famous islands. The convenience of direct flights will also appeal to those looking to embark on sailing trips, island-hopping adventures, or road trips along the stunning Croatian coastline.
British Airways’ decision to introduce the London Stansted to Split route is not only a response to growing passenger demand but also a strategic move to strengthen its position in the competitive European aviation market. Croatia, particularly its coastal cities, has become one of Europe’s top travel destinations, attracting millions of tourists each year. By launching this new route, British Airways is positioning itself to capture a larger share of this lucrative market.
The airline’s choice of London Stansted as the departure point is also significant. While Heathrow and Gatwick remain British Airways’ primary hubs, Stansted offers an alternative for passengers based in the East of England or those looking for more convenient access to London’s northern suburbs. Stansted is well-connected to the city center, and the airport’s growing portfolio of destinations makes it an increasingly attractive option for travelers. By offering direct flights from Stansted, British Airways is able to cater to a wider demographic of passengers, including those who may prefer the convenience of Stansted over London’s larger and busier airports. This move aligns with British Airways’ broader strategy of expanding its reach within the UK and offering more point-to-point connections to popular European destinations.
For Croatia, the launch of direct flights from London Stansted to Split is expected to contribute to the continued growth of its tourism industry. Croatia has become one of Europe’s most desirable travel destinations, and Split, with its rich cultural heritage and access to some of the Adriatic’s most beautiful islands, plays a central role in the country’s tourism sector. The UK is one of Croatia’s most important source markets for international tourists, and British Airways’ new route will further strengthen this relationship. By providing a direct link between the UK and Split, the airline is supporting the Croatian government’s efforts to promote tourism and extend the tourist season beyond the summer months. This move will help to attract more UK visitors to Split during the shoulder seasons, boosting the local economy and supporting year-round tourism.
Furthermore, the new route aligns with Split’s growing status as a key regional hub. As the city continues to expand its airport and develop its tourism infrastructure, the introduction of direct flights from London Stansted marks a significant step in enhancing Split’s connectivity with major European cities.
British Airways’ new direct route from London Stansted to Split, launching on September 7th, is set to be a game-changer for travelers seeking convenient access to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. With the airline’s use of the Embraer E190 aircraft, passengers can expect a comfortable and efficient travel experience, whether they’re heading to Split for business or leisure.
As British Airways continues to expand its European network, this new route underscores the airline’s commitment to offering more options for travelers while strengthening its position in key markets. The new service not only benefits British travelers looking for direct access to Split, but it also supports Croatia’s tourism industry and the economic ties between the UK and Croatia. For travelers and industry experts alike, British Airways’ London Stansted to Split route is a welcome addition that promises to enhance connectivity and provide new opportunities for exploration in the beautiful Adriatic region.
