Airport Becomes a Reality: City Council Establishes ‘Zračna luka Srce Dalmacije d.o.o.’

The long-awaited airport project in the Šibenik region is finally becoming a reality. The Šibenik City Council has made a significant step forward by establishing a new company called Zračna luka Srce Dalmacije d.o.o., which will be responsible for managing and developing the future airport located near Pokrovnik, just outside of Šibenik. This decision marks a crucial phase in the development of a project that, if everything goes as planned, will greatly enhance the region’s connectivity and infrastructure.

Establishing the Company – The First Step Toward Realization

The creation of the company Zračna luka Srce Dalmacije d.o.o. represents a major milestone in the airport’s journey. This decision comes after years of planning and navigating through various administrative and legal hurdles. Through this new company, the City of Šibenik aims to take full control of the project, oversee its development, and secure the financing necessary for the construction of the airport infrastructure.

One of the first concrete actions in this regard is the announcement of a public tender for the position of the airport’s director. This role will be vital in overseeing the further development and operation of the airport, and Šibenik’s mayor, Željko Burić, emphasized the importance of selecting a skilled individual who can manage such a significant project. Given the close ties between this project and the tourism sector, the director will need to balance business, infrastructural, and environmental goals while ensuring long-term sustainable growth.

Importance for Šibenik and Dalmatia

This project is not only crucial for the city of Šibenik, but also for the entire Dalmatia region. With growing demand from tourists, especially in the summer months, the existence of an additional airport in the area will significantly improve access for travelers and provide a much-needed boost to tourism, as well as other sectors of the local economy. The “Heart of Dalmatia Airport” is expected to serve as an alternative to the main airports in Split and Zadar, helping to alleviate congestion at these existing facilities and facilitating better connectivity to lesser-known but highly attractive destinations.

Tender for the Airport Director

To ensure the successful implementation of the project, selecting the right individual to lead the airport is key. According to media reports, the City Council has published a tender for the position of airport director. Applicants for the role will need to meet specific qualifications, including experience in managing large infrastructure projects, a deep understanding of aviation operations, and the ability to develop a business strategy for an airport that aims to become a regional hub. The new director will also need to work closely with various partners and institutions, including the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, as well as local governments.

Construction and Financing

The airport’s construction is expected to be carried out in multiple phases, and the city of Šibenik is exploring various financing options, including European Union funds, private investments, and national government resources. The initial phase of development will focus on essential infrastructure such as access roads, terminals, and runways, with plans for later expansions to increase capacity and improve the quality of services offered.

Support from Regional Institutions

The project has garnered strong support from regional institutions, which recognize the potential of the Heart of Dalmatia Airport to connect the region with broader European and international markets. Tourism boards, business sectors, and investors are all optimistic that the new airport will attract additional investments and tourists. Greater connectivity with the rest of the world could also open doors for growth in agriculture, trade, and service industries in the Šibenik region and surrounding areas.

Expectations and Challenges

While the project is moving forward, the road ahead remains challenging. In addition to ensuring a competitive and high-quality offering for travelers, the city will need to address key infrastructure issues and ensure that the airport’s development is environmentally sustainable. The City of Šibenik and its partners will need to strike a careful balance between ecological, social, and economic interests to make sure the airport project is viable in the long term.

Conclusion

The establishment of Zračna luka Srce Dalmacije d.o.o. and the launch of the tender for the airport’s director signal that this long-anticipated project is finally becoming a tangible reality. While several challenges still lie ahead, this initiative has the potential to significantly boost the economy and tourism in Šibenik and the wider Dalmatia region. In the coming years, the Šibenik airport could become a key player in the development of a modern transport hub, offering better connectivity for tourists, businesses, and residents alike.

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