An inaugural United Airlines (UA) New York - Dubrovnik flight with some 214 passengers on board landed at Dubrovnik Airport on Friday, the first direct flight from New York since 1991.

Dubrovnik Airport director Frano Luetic said that this marked the return of American airlines after the pandemic.

“We have managed to introduce all UA standards and procedures. This is enormous publicity for the tourism sector so that economic recovery is as fast as can be. We will be connecting Dubrovnik with the US until October. I hope this flight will remain in the years to come and that we will have excellent results,” Luetic said, adding that sales of UA flights for the next three months are going very well.

Patrick Quayle from UA Airlines underscored that this was the first UA flight to Croatia.

Croatia was the first in Europe to open to the US and that was the greatest motive. This route will facilitate travel to the US for Croatians, via the Newark airport to 65 other destinations across the US. However, the route will primarily bring tourists and ‘tourist dollars’ to Croatia, said Quayle.

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic underscored that direct flights to New York could be considered a success even in normal times.

“Now that the health crisis is still going on, this is a great success and we hope that cooperation will be even greater,” said Frankovic adding that he was particularly pleased that two airlines were landing directly in Dubrovnik, considering the fact that Delta Airlines would also begin flights to Dubrovnik as of 3 July.

The director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Stanicic thanked everyone who made this project possible.

“It is our desire that this seasonal route turns into an all-year-round offer,” said Stanicic and thanked American tourists for recognising Croatia as a partner.

Acting deputy mission chief Caitlin Piper said that this flight was significant for both countries, particularly for the economy during the time of coming out of the pandemic crisis.