Dubrovnik and Split Finally Connected by Seaplane: Maiden Flight in Pictures

The two city jewels of Dalmatian tourism are finally connected - the maiden commercial flight of European Coastal Airlines from downtown Split to Dubrovnik in pictures.

And so it finally happened. On a sunny early afternoon on February 1, 2016, the two city jewels of Dalmatian tourism were finally connected by seaplane, the first step in what will be a huge boost to tourism between Split and Dubrovnik, two of the most popular entry points into Croatia.

The European Coastal Airlines maiden flight from downtown Split to Dubrovnik Airport - with Total Croatia News on board - took off earlier this afternoon.  

ECA's downtown location in the harbour of Split has been a big success since it opened last year, even if the Twin Otter seaplanes are somewhat dwarfed by their larger ferry neighbours.  

Ready to go on another trademark blue sky day in Dalmatia. The road to 12-month tourism, aided by the flexibility offered by seaplane connections, is getting closer.  

The addition of Dubrovnik Airport - there will be flights to the airport from downtown Split until the end of March, with hopes that a downtown location in Dubrovnik will be added shortly - is the latest in ECA's expanding network. Pescara from Split will start on Thursday, the second Italian destination after Ancona offered by ECA.  

The short 44-minute ride was a tour of the majesty of the Dalmatian coast. 

Wait 20 more seconds, and the chance to leave the EU via Bosnia and Hercegovina before reentering Croatia - no need to show the passport this time.  

Plenty of sights along the way.  

And how many commercial flights offer a view like THAT? Just one reason why ECA flights are already proving popular as panorama flights, in addition to transfers.  

Flight number CC2321 from Split! 

Another huge milestone in the 15-year seaplane story in Croatia, the first scheduled commercial seaplane service in modern European history.

It is going to be a busy summer...