Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 29, Hrvatski Telekom has secured €3.09 million in European Union co-financing to build dedicated private 5G networks at Croatia's three international airports – Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula – creating the country's first smart airport infrastructure.

The total investment of €5.6 million forms part of the NextGen 5G Airports project, selected under the European Commission's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme. The initiative was chosen from 28 competing proposals across the EU and marks only the fourth airport-focused project to receive CEF Digital support.

Hrvatski Telekom leads the consortium that includes Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula airports, technology company Markoja, and the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences at the University of Zagreb. The EU grant covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with the remaining 25% funded by the consortium partners.

Private 5G networks will enable higher operational efficiency, improved safety, and enhanced passenger experience through tailored connectivity solutions. The dedicated infrastructure allows each airport, airline, or ground-handling operator to receive customised network performance suited to specific operational needs, while Hrvatski Telekom assumes full responsibility for network management and reliability.

The project demonstrates how advanced 5G combined with edge computing can transform transport hubs, supporting applications in real-time baggage tracking, automated ground services, security systems, and digital passenger services.

With this initiative, Croatia joins a small group of European countries deploying large-scale private 5G networks at airports, positioning Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula as modern, future-ready gateways.