December 16, 2019 - The 19th round of the Croatian First League was held from December 13 to 15, 2019. This was the final round of the winter season for all clubs apart from Dinamo and Rijeka, who will make up their 6th round game on December 18, 2019. As the table stands now, Dinamo sits in first, Hajduk in second, and Rijeka in third place. 

Gorica v. Inter Zapresic (1:1)

Gorica and Inter opened the 19th round on Friday, December 13, 2019, in Velika Gorica in front of 689 fans. Zwolinski scored for Gorica in the first minute of the game to make it 1:0. Muhammed saw his second yellow card just before the half, forcing Gorica to play with a man down for the entire second half. Tsonev equalized for Inter in the 69th minute for 1:1, which was the final score of the game. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 29 points, while Inter is in 8th place with 13. 

Rijeka v. Varazdin (3:1)

Rijeka and Varazdin met at Rujevica stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2019, in front of 3,865 fans. 

Acosty opened the scoring spree for Rijeka with a goal in the 12th minute for 1:0 at the half. Colak increased Rijeka’s lead to 2:0 in the 47th minute. A penalty for Varazdin in the 83rd saw a 2:1 result, though Colak scored again for Rijeka in the 90th for a final score of 3:1. 

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 34 points, while Varazdin is in the last place with 12. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva met on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Maksimir stadium in front of 1,935 fans. 

The first half went without goals, and Dinamo’s only goal of the game came when Olmo scored in the 67th minute.

Dinamo is currently in first place with 44 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 28. 

Osijek v. Slaven Belupo (3:2)

Osijek and Belupo met at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2019, in front of 2,058 fans. 

Maric scored for Osijek in the first minute of the game for 1:0 at the half. Lulic equalized in the 51st minute for 1:1, though a Maric penalty and a goal by Kleinheisler increased Osijek’s lead to 3:1 by the 65th minute. Bozic scored for Belupo in the 72nd for the final score of 3:2. 

Osijek is currently in 4th place with 33 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 18. 

Hajduk v. Istra 1961 (2:1)

Hajduk and Istra closed out the 19th round at Poljud on Sunday, December 16, 2019, in front of 6,262 fans. 

Istra was the first to score with a goal by Fintic right before the whistle blew for the half for 0:1. However, two goals from Caktas in the 62nd and 69th minutes saw Hajduk celebrate 2:1 in the end. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 35 points, while Istra is in 9th with 12. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

December 13, 2019 -The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Rijeka, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. 

HRTurizam reports that Dubrovnik and Rijeka will be directly connected to Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, in the coming year thanks to AirBaltic.

These flights will be active from the beginning of May until the end of October, i.e., the line for Rijeka will operate once a week on Thursdays, while the line for Dubrovnik will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Martin Gauss, CEO of AirBaltic, said they aim to provide the best connection in both directions for all three Baltic capitals. “When assessing which destinations will depart from the Baltic capitals, we first look for the most sought after among local travelers. This is why we provide additional input to local airports, offering new travel options. By next summer, we will already serve 16 destinations from Estonia, 11 from Lithuania and over 70 destinations from Latvia."

"This is great news and an announcement that supports further increasing the number of airlines and further enhancing the accessibility of Croatian destinations. The first flight will feature a large number of travel agents and journalists from the Baltics and Scandinavia to whom we will present Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Split,” said Croatian Tourist Board Director Kristjan Stanicic, adding that the new Airbus A220-300 fleet will operate on these routes. 

HTZ added that the AirBaltic presentation brought together more than 100 agents and partners, including Kresimir Kedmenec, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Lithuania, and Vedran Susic, Director of the HTZ Representative Office for Scandinavia, who organized a special presentation of the Croatian tourist agency deals with a focus on Rijeka and Dubrovnik.

In other flight news, Avio Radar reports that Europe’s largest carrier Ryanair announced a new base and 11 new routes from Zadar for the 2020 season. Namely, there are a total of 31 lines in the 2020 summer flight schedule, including 11 new routes to exciting destinations such as Aarhus, Cork, and Riga. The flight schedule begins in April 2020, is estimated to carry a total of 672,000 passengers annually, and create around 500 jobs in the various activities and services provided at Zadar Airport. 

Ryanair is also opening a base with three Laudamotion aircraft in Zadar, representing an investment of about $300 million and directly creating 90 new jobs in Ryanair. 

Ryanair’s 2020 summer flight schedule in Zadar brings:

- 3 Laudamotion base planes ($300 million investment)

- 11 new lines for Aarhus. (2), Bremen (3), Cork (2), Paris Beauvais (2), Kaunas (2), Liverpool (2), Maastricht (2), Riga (2), Toulouse (2), & Wroclaw (2)

- 31 lines in total

- 672,000 passengers annually (+50%)

- 90 new Ryanair jobs

- 500 on-site jobs

Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair said: 

“We are delighted to be opening our base in Zadar next summer as part of our efforts to contribute to the growth of transport, tourism, and jobs. Our 2020 flight schedule brings 31 lines, including 11 new lines, and we plan to carry a total of 672,000 passengers a year and generate 500 jobs in various industries in Zadar. Zadar and their guests can now buy the cheapest tickets and fly with the greenest/cleanest European airline on a total of 31 flights until the end of October 2020.”

Josip Klismanic, director of Zadar Airport added:

“The return of Ryanair’s base to Zadar with three aircraft is a great tribute to Zadar, both as an airport and as a destination. The growth of Ryanair’s offer to Zadar from all over Europe in recent years shows that Zadar and Croatia have something to offer our guests. Ryanair makes Zadar and Croatia much more accessible to Europe, but let’s not forget, it also makes Europe much closer to Zadar and Croatia. The announcements for 2020 justify our efforts to increase the level of service for our passengers by expanding the capacity of Zadar Airport and providing the preconditions for further growth. I do not doubt that Ryanair will play an essential role in that. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

The Port of Rijeka was once booming with industry, as was the ''city that flows'' itself, but as times changed, so did the port and its purposes and capabilities. Over the last 100 years, Rijeka has ''changed hands'' and been in many different countries, it has seen the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, monarchy and much more, and the Port of Rijeka has taken the brunt of every fall.

Could this large port located on the Kvarner Gulf, the very first written records of which date way back to the year 1281, become the largest container port in the entire Northern Adriatic area? That's the aim.

As Morski writes on the 10th of December, 2019, the main goal for the Port of Rijeka during the period between 2025 and 2027 is to become the largest container port in the North Adriatic.

This was stated at the pre-Christmas gathering of the leading people working at the Port of Rijeka Authority with their concessionaires, contractors and various other business associates.

Director Denis Vukorepa has shown investments in Rijeka's port pool in slideshows amounting to more than 600 million euros, Radio Rijeka reported.

A lot has been invested in the formerly busy Port of Rijeka, said Vukorepa, adding that that is why they have arranged the port of Bršica so that the loading on of timber and other stock can be completed at an even faster rate. The concession of Zagrebačka obala is yet to come. The concession will last thirty years if the concessionaire doesn't request an extension to that allocated time period, and if he does want that, then he will get a concession for fifty years.

Works at Brajdica are set to follow, and this is part of the investment in port infrastructure and buildings, proper arrangement is also awaited by the Port of Bakar. It is expected that as many as forty parge passenger cruisers will come to visit the Port of Rijeka next year, when the city is the European Capital of Culture for 2020.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle and business pages for much more.

December 9, 2019 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, and Zagreb.

Avio Radar reports that Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that it would terminate its base at Skavsta Airport near Stockholm, Sweden, and this year’s new base in Nuremberg, Germany. The airline stated the reason being that they would not be taking over the 20 Boeing 737MAX aircraft as planned for the summer next year. 

In the Croatian market, this means discontinuing the Stockholm-Rijeka route, which was the strongest Ryanair route to Rijeka. Namely, this route operated to Rijeka in the summer from early April to late October and is already not on sale for next year. 

“We also expect to cut summer capacity in a number of other existing bases, and we are currently in discussions with our people, our unions, and our affected airports to finalize these minor reductions”, Ryanair said in a statement on Ex Yu Aviation News. 

Interestingly, the airline recently announced that it would boost operations on the Stockholm-Zadar route from two to three times per week, and tickets for this line are still on offer for next year. Furthermore, tickets for the Nuremberg-Zadar route are also still on offer, although the Nuremberg base has plans to close. The airline updated customers with the news that this line would continue with operations, unlike the others. 

Avio Radar adds that British low-cost carrier Jet2 will increase traffic to Dubrovnik in their 2020 summer flight schedule. On the London (Stansted Airport)-Dubrovnik route, the sixth flight per week has been introduced, on Mondays, which means that Jet2 will fly this route every day except Wednesdays. The line will begin operations on April 2, 2020. 

Still, Jet2 has decreased operations from London to Pula and Split. The London (Stansted)-Pula route will run only once a week, on Sundays, from May 31 to September 20, 2020. The London (Stansted)-Split route will run twice a week instead of last year’s three, on Thursdays and Sundays. Namely, this line will no longer work on Wednesdays. A Boeing 737-800 aircraft should service all lines. 

Jet2 also introduced a new line between Stansted and Zadar next year. 

Finally, Avio Radar reports that Kenya Airways expanded its codeshare cooperation with French national carrier Air France. Both Airlines are members of the Skyteam global airline association. Zagreb is among the other new codeshare destinations for Kenya Airways. The extended collaboration began on November 26, 2019. Air France’s daily flights on the Paris route (Charles de Gaulle) to Zagreb will carry the Kenyan KQ3834, along with the French carrier’s symbol. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 9, 2019 - The 18th round of the Croatian First League was held from December 6 to 8, 2019. A draw for Hajduk against Inter kept them in 2nd place, but pushed them to nine points behind Dinamo who sits in 1st. Rijeka is now just one point behind Hajduk in 3rd. 

Dinamo v. Varazdin (1:0)

Dinamo and Varazdin opened the 18th round on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Maksimir stadium in front of 1,471 spectators. 

While the first half went without goals, Dinamo narrowly won with a goal by Gavranovic in the 77th minute for 1:0. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 41 points, while Varazdin is in 9th place with 12 points. 

Gorica v. Slaven Belupo (2:0)

Gorica and Belupo met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, December 7, 2019.

Belupo’s Goda saw a straight red card in the 9th minute, forcing the away side to play with a man down for nearly the entire game. Gorica found it easy to capitalize on their player advantage and scored both goals in the 18th and 34th minute thanks to Zwolinski and Lovric. 

A double yellow for Ndiaye in the 53rd minute equaled the playing field, though neither team was able to score in the second half. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 28 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 18.

Inter Zapresic v. Hajduk (1:1)

Inter and Hajduk met in Zagreb on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in front of 1,620 fans. 

An own goal by Hajduk’s Simic in the 26th minute put Inter in the lead for 1:0, though Eduok was able to equalize for Hajduk to make the game 1:1 at the half, which was also the final score of the game.

Inter is currently in the last place with 12 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 32. 

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (4:0)

Osijek and Lokomotiva met at City Garden Stadium on Sunday, December 8, 2019, in front of 1,533 spectators. 

While the first half went without goals, Osijek made up for their absence in the net in the second half, scoring all four goals then (Maric 55’, Pilj 78’, Kleinheisler 82’, Bockaj 92’). 

Lokomotiva’s Kastrati was also given his second yellow of the game in the 62nd minute 

Osijek is currently in 4th place with 30 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th with 28. 

Rijeka v. Istra 1961 (2:0)

Rijeka and Istra closed out the 18th round at Rujevica on December 8, 2019,in front of 4,675 spectators. 

An own goal by Galilea put Rijeka in the lead in the 15th minute, while Muric increased the lead for the home side with a goal in the 27th.

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 31 points, while Istra is in 8th with 12. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

ZAGREB, December 7, 2019 - The Rijeka-based Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral on Friday staged an exhibition about a local luthier, Franjo Kresnik, and the exhibition titled "Violins Beyond Borders/Stradivari in Rijeka - Kresnik and Cremona" is part of the project of Rijeka - the European capital of culture in 2020.

The authors of this exhibition, which will be held throughout 2020, are Tamara Mataija and Tea Perinčić of the Maritime and History Museum and Fausto Cacciatore of the Violin Museum in the Italian city of Cremona.

The exhibition is dedicated to Kresnik, a doctor who was born in Vienna in 1868 and lived in Rijeka until his death in 1943 and who was known for his passion for building violins and other string instruments.

He had a role in reviving the Cremona school of violin making. Kresnik, who craved knowledge about the art of making violins from the era of Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri at the turn of the 18th century, often travelled to Cremona and started building violins following the example of those two Italian luthiers.

Some of the violins made by Kresnik as well as violins built by Stradivari and Guarneri are part of the exhibition. The violins of the Italian luthiers can be seen until 8 March 2020, while the exhibition runs through January 2021.

More Rijeka news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

December 7, 2019 - Emina Visnic, director of Rijeka 2020, which manages the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) project in Rijeka next year, confirmed in an interview that preparations for the ECOC year and its opening at the Rijeka port on February 1, 2020,  are going according to plan.

Novi List writes that from the vibrant array of cultural programs, Visnic especially singled out the project of contemporary artist Sanja Ivekovic in the courtyard of the Bencic complex, in which, with her retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, she will symbolically reconstruct the Monument to Revolution by architect Mies van der Rohe from 1926, which was demolished by the Nazis in 1935.

Find the interview by Dean Silic transmitted in full below. 

A concert in Korzo was announced for Monday, introducing the European Capital of Culture program for citizens, and citizens were also invited to propose programs and participate in the opening of the ECOC. Do you want to encourage them to participate more actively and show them the meaning of the project?

“Absolutely. Citizens are already significantly involved in the project. We have been saying from the beginning that the project cannot succeed if the citizens do not get involved, that is, if it remains only in the hands of the artists and the organizers. That is why we have been working on involving citizens from the beginning, from using 27 neighborhoods in the program, which also grows from the neighborhoods, or groups of citizens, not only in Rijeka, but in the entire Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, through all the programs at RiHub and the projects proposed and implemented by citizens.

Thus, the opening cannot take place without the participation of different groups of citizens, organized or not. With a concert at Korzo, we want to offer the citizens of Rijeka a party in December and present the greater part of the cultural and artistic programs that await us in 2020.”

How would you explain the value of the ECOC project to a doubtful Rijeka citizen?

“Specifically in Rijeka, this project brings about the restoration of cultural buildings in the former Rikard Bencic factory, and thus the creation of a Rijeka cultural quarter, the reconstruction of the Galeb ship, interventions in the Delta area, etc. among other significant EU funds. On the other hand, in 2020, the ECOC delivers 300 cultural programs in and around Rijeka with more than 600 individual events.

It is a year of top cultural programs, but we have made every effort to ensure that the program complies with our motto ‘Port of Diversity’. We strive to satisfy very different interests, from opera to new technologies, from the theater arts to citizens' initiatives and their projects. In addition, the ECOC contributes significantly to the international visibility, recognition of the city, the building of a different image of Rijeka and the entire region.

It is based on image, the idea of what we do, openness, and welcomes different people. It represents a city that is lively, interesting, attractive not only for tourist visits but also for living and investing.

So, smart cities would use the ECOC itself not only this year, but would use all the energy, high visibility and great knowledge gained during the project for future development, which I believe Rijeka will do. We have a good foundation because not only artists, cultural institutions, citizens and citizens' initiatives are involved, but also numerous entrepreneurs. That is the legacy of the Rijeka ECOC project, which will be reflected in the people, apart from the mentioned buildings and structures that are being renovated and built.”

What is your vision of the city after 2020, with all the accomplishments of the project?

“We are working on a project according to which Rijeka really becomes internationally recognized as a European city, a city that promotes European values, which may not be geographic in the heart of Europe, but according to its values and interests, it is. The city is sure to change physically. The center will expand from Korzo and the surrounding area to the Bencic complex and the revitalized Delta area, a part of which will have many programs. We expect a new atmosphere in the city, new optimism and enthusiasm that will build the future of Rijeka.”

Can you reveal any details about the ECOC opening program itself?

“I cannot reveal the details, but I can say that the opening will be in the Rijeka port. It is not only the venue but also the theme of the event, as the ‘Port of Diversity’, it becomes a different port. We can expect the gathering of a large number of citizens and an interesting, specially designed program in which the citizens themselves will be involved, followed by an all-night party in cafes and clubs.”

What would you single out from the overall ECOC program as globally relevant and important, and which parts of the program would be particularly relevant to the citizens of Rijeka?

“Many elements of the program overlap with what is locally relevant and what is locally interesting. There is a vibrant exhibition program. Permanent exhibitions in new cultural venues, such as the Sugar Refinery Palace and the Galeb ship, will be of interest to Rijeka residents and citizens of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, but will also be of interest to international audiences. One thing will undoubtedly be an exhibition on Gustav Klimt.

The opera program is worth highlighting with two big gala concerts featuring top names, Karita Mattila and Elina Garanča, a series of phenomenal classical music concerts, a new chamber music festival in the unusual venues initiated by our Croatian National Theater.

In the theater program, we should definitely highlight the Needcompay Theater, which forms the very top of world theater. The program is absolutely up-to-date, by topic and by the participating artists, and the Dopolavoro program addresses the issue of work and the future of work through very different works of art at the intersection of art, new technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

A series of programs, exhibitions and public actions are being built here, such as a band appearing exclusively by robots, for the first time in Croatia. Lungomare Art, on the other hand, brings contemporary art to the community and leaves behind permanent installations. One of the top architects of the present day, Smiljan Radic from Chile and originally Croatian, and Liam Gillick, who is one of the top contemporary artists in the world, stands out here.

What does it mean for Rijeka to create a secondary center by renovating the Bencic complex and expanding the area of activity and city life from the city center?

“I am sure that Rijeka will receive not only new cultural infrastructure, but also a unique place for socializing, with excellent facilities when Bencic functions as a whole, at the end of 2020, with the Sugar Refinery Palace, the Children's House and the City Library. The Children's House is particularly emphasized in this as a place where not only programs for children take place, but also a place where children themselves produce programs, where their creativity is stimulated from the earliest days.

Do you think that there is a Rijeka identity and how it is reflected in the ECOC program?

“When it comes to identities, keep in mind that they are not fixed. Identity, however collective the form, is so individual. In the context we live in, Rijeka stands out as a city that does not have one strong solid identity, although it is difficult to say that another city has one. Rijeka is recognized for its openness, freedom, and coexisting with different identities. The ECOC program also bears these characteristics - it is inclusive, brave and unusual, as is Rijeka. And such a program will be implemented in Rijeka 2020."

Has the controversy surrounding Tito’s Galeb ship overshadowed other parts of the program, or is it perhaps an expression of pluralism of opinion?

“I am sorry that this controversy has rarely been constructive and referred to historical, social, or political interpretations, but instead has been politicized. It was conducted mainly in or around City Hall, or reduced to banal investment issues, investment levels without any comparison to any other projects.

I think the Galeb ship, when completed as a museum ship, will be a phenomenal attraction. We already know that. It is among the three priorities that foreign journalists said they want to see in Rijeka and want to write about.

In its permanent exhibition, the Galeb will open up a space of quality, constructive discussion, and on topics that are controversial in our society, although I personally find that there is nothing particularly controversial about it. It will tell the story of a fascinating ship, part of Rijeka’s and Croatian history, that is very attractive and through which we connect with the history of many countries around the world.

Finally, are preparations for the ECOC year going according to plan?

“They are going according to plan, and we are ready to welcome February 1, when the ECOC officially opens. The day before, at MMSU, David Maljkovic, a Rijeka native and world-renowned artist, will open an exhibition dedicated to the museum's collection. Two more exhibitions are underway in the Age of Power program, in the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral - D'Annunzi's Martyr and the Violins Above Borders / Stradivari in Rijeka – Kresnik and Cremona.

Currently, the most intense preparations are related to the opening at the port on February 1st, and here, I can exclusively announce a program that we have not yet communicated - with perhaps the greatest Croatian contemporary living artist Sanja Ivekovic, opening her retrospective exhibition at MMSU in January 2021, and a special project was also arranged in the Bencic courtyard.

Through an interesting process involving many foreign partners, a kind of symbolic reconstruction of the Monument to Revolution will be made, that is, the murdered Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, by Mies van der Rohe in 1926.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December 2, 2019 - The 17th round of the Croatian First League was held from November 29 to December 1, 2019. This round featured the highly anticipated Adriatic Derby between Hajduk and Rijeka. 

Slaven Belupo v. Inter Zapresic (3:0)

Belupo and Inter opened the 17th round on Friday, November 29, 2019, in Koprivnica in front of 783 spectators. 

Belupo scored their first goal in the 15th minute thanks to Nowak, and Krstanovic increased the lead to 2:0 in the 26th minute. Mikulic scored in the 66th for 3:0, which was the final score of the game.

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 18 points, while Inter is in the last place with 11. 

Lokomotiva v. Gorica (4:0) 

Lokomotiva and Gorica met in Zagreb on Friday, November 29, 2019, in front of 583 spectators. 

Goals by Kastrati and Uzuni in the 40th and 41st minutes had Lokomotiva up 2:0 at the half. An own goal by Marina increased Lokomotiva’s lead to 3:0 in the 63rd minute, and Tolic ended the scoring spree in the 79th minute for 4:0. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 28 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 25. 

Varazdin v.Osijek (1:1)

Varazdin and Osijek met on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at NK Varteks Stadium in front of 1,270 fans. 

Maric scored just before halftime to put Osijek in the lead, though Varazdin found a way to equalize thanks to a Glavica goal in the 77th minute for 1:1. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 12 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 27.

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (1:2)

Istra and Dinamo met on Saturday,  November 30, 2019, in Pula in front of 2,462 fans. 

Kadzior scored the first goal of the game for the 0:1 Dinamo lead in the 22nd minute, which was the score at the half. Orsic scored in the 49th for 0:2, though Istra’s Cuze gave the home team a goal in the 90th minute for a final score of 1:2. 

Istra is currently in 8th place with 12 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 38. 

Hajduk v. Rijeka (0:4)

Hajduk and Rijeka closed out the 17th round on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Poljud for the Adriatic Derby. 

The first goal of the game didn’t come until the 43rd minute when Acosty scored for the Rijeka lead. However, in the final minutes of the second half, Rijeka managed to increase their lead by three goals - Raspopovic in the 83rd, Gorgon in the 87th, and Halilovic in the third minute of added time. The game ended at 0:4 for Rijeka. 

Hajduk is currently in 2nd place with 31 points, while Rijeka is in 3rd with 28. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 28, 2019 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Dubrovnik, Rijeka, and Zadar. 

Ex Yu Aviation announced that LOT Polish Airlines would launch a seasonal service between Budapest and Dubrovnik next year. The new route will operate from June 7 and run once a week, on Sundays, until September 27. 

This will be the third city LOT services to Dubrovnik, in addition to Warsaw and Krakow.You can find more details about the new Budapest - Dubrovnik route here.

Avio Radar reported that Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair will boost the Cologne/Bonn-Zadar route for next summer. The line only started operating this year with two flights per week. Next summer, Ryanair will run three flights a week, and in addition to Wednesdays and Sundays, they will service Zadar on Mondays from the beginning of June to the end of September 2020. A Boeing 737-800 aircraft flies on all Ryanair lines. 

Avio Radar also reported that Serbia’s national air carrier Air Serbia would suspend traffic between Belgrade and Rijeka during the winter. The last flight is scheduled for December 5, 2019. A few more flights around the New Year remain on offer. The line will then continue to operate on a regular basis from May 1, 2020, according to the summer flight schedule, which runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Compared to this year, Air Serbia will begin operations to Rijeka one month earlier than in 2019. An ATR-72 runs on this line. 

To end this week of flight news, Dalmacija Danas reported that the Split Architectural Bureau of Ante Kuzmanić is the winner of a competition for the conceptual architectural and urban design of the Zadar Airport passenger terminal. A group of Split architects designed the extension and renovation of the existing terminal building and parking lot. They received a prize of 250,000 kuna for the project. The competition was conducted by the Society of Zadar Architects.

The projects were evaluated by a jury chaired by academician Nikola Bašić, who said that if the conceptual design is transformed into a design project, Zadar Airport will be the most modern airport in Croatia, as it combines all the new parameters that make such an object comfortable and safe.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 25, 2019 - The 16th round of the Croatian First League was held from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24. This round featured the never disappointing ‘Eternal Derby’ between Dinamo and Hajduk. 

Dinamo v. Hajduk (1:1)

Dinamo and Hajduk opened the 16th round at Maksimir stadium on Friday, November 22, 2019, in front of 15,757 fans. 

Dinamo was quick to score thanks to an own goal by Hajduk defender Ismajli in the 12th minute for 1:0. However, a penalty awarded to Hajduk just before the half saw Mijo Caktas score for 1:1. 

Neither team was able to score in the second half, and Hajduk resisted Dinamo’s intense pressure throughout the game, even though they were without several of their key players on Friday. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 35 points, while Hajduk is in 2nd with 31. 

Gorica v. Varazdin (1:0)

Gorica and Varazdin met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, November 23, 2019, in front of 1,272 fans. 

The first half went without goals, and Gorica’s Ndiaye scored only in the 57th minute for 1:0, which was the final score of the game. 

Gorica is currently in 6th place with 25 points, while Varazdin is in 10th place with 11. 

Slaven Belupo v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Belupo and Lokomotiv met on Saturday, November 23, 2019, in Koprivnica in front of 754 fans. 

It was another low scoring game of the 16th round, which saw Belupo’s Krstanovic score in the 17th minute for 1:0, which was the final score of the game.

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 15 points, while Lokomotiva is in 5th place with 25. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Osijek and Istra met on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at City Garden Stadium in front of 2,455 fans. 

While the game saw Istra’s Pavic receive a double yellow in the 52nd minute, forcing Istra to play with a man down from the 52nd minute, the first and only goal of the game came in the 5th minute of added time (95') thanks to Osijek’s Maric for 1:0. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 26 points, while Istra is in 8th with 12. 

Inter Zapresic v. Rijeka (1:4)

Inter and Rijeka met in Zagreb to close out the 16th round on Sunday, November 25, 2019, in front of 820 fans. 

Rijeka scored all four goals in the first half, thanks to Andrijasevic (6’), Colak (23’, 28’), and Gorgon (32’). Inter’s Soldo was able to get one for the home team in the first minute of added time for 1:4. 

Inter is currently in 9th place with 11 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 25. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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