Hrvatski Telekom has unveiled a €5.6mn NextGen 5G Airports project aimed at transforming operations at Zagreb, Zadar and Pula airports through the deployment of private 5G networks, the company said on June 19.

Passenger numbers are rising, with Zagreb alone handling over 4.3mn in 2024, increasing the need for smart, connected infrastructure, the company said. Tourism makes up a significant share of Croatia’s economy

Developed in partnership with infrastructure firm Markoja, the Faculty of Transport Sciences in Zagreb, and the three airports, the project has been submitted for co-financing under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme.

Private 5G networks will enhance operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience, said Boris Drilo, board member for technology at Hrvatski Telekom. “Airports must digitise to meet rising passenger demand and private 5G is a key enabler of this transformation,” he said.

Zagreb Airport will use drones and AI analytics to speed up inspections of its 188,000 m² runway, while Pula Airport plans to install 50 UHD cameras and sensors for real-time perimeter surveillance. Zadar Airport will adopt AI-powered tablets for maintenance reporting, replacing manual processes.

The technology enables secure, low-latency communication among airport systems, from autonomous vehicles to air traffic control, said panelists at a launch event in Zagreb. “It creates a scalable, secure and future-proof foundation for smart airport operations,” said Boris Markoja, CEO of Markoja.

Croatian regulator HAKOM supports private 5G spectrum allocation at micro-locations, while EU funding could cover up to 75% of the eligible project costs.

If approved, the airports would gain access to advanced 5G Standalone (SA) capabilities for three years, placing them among the first in the region to implement such infrastructure. Hrvatski Telekom said this will also support broader economic competitiveness and sustainability goals.