From MWC to the runway: Three Croatian airports are taking off into the future with 5G from Telekom
Every year at MWC Barcelona, the future of connectivity is envisioned in big headlines and impressive demos. But the true measure of innovation is not the applause on the trade fair floor – but the impact that is created afterwards. This impact is now taking shape in Croatia. Hrvatski Telekom, part of Deutsche Telekom, is implementing standalone private 5G networks at Zagreb, Zadar and Pula airports.
The project includes significant investments in building dedicated 5G infrastructure at these locations to make them future-proof and AI-ready – increasing operational efficiency, increasing security and improving the overall passenger experience. Together, the three airports will become Croatia’s first smart airports – and serve as a blueprint for the next generation of airport operations in Europe.
Vision becomes infrastructure
The “NextGen 5G Airports” project has a total investment volume of 5.6 million euros and is co-financed with 3.09 million euros by the EU “Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital” program. Since the program began, only four airport projects have received funding across the EU out of dozens of proposals submitted – a clear sign of the strategic importance of this initiative.
For Deutsche Telekom, the project also represents a more comprehensive goal: to no longer see connectivity as a commodity, but rather to establish 5G standalone as the foundation of the digital transformation of critical infrastructures – from transport and logistics to energy and citizen services.
Why private 5G is crucial for airports
Airports are complex, highly regulated environments where safety, reliability and efficiency are non-negotiable. Conventional communication systems are often based on a coexistence of different legacy systems, each of which only performs individual tasks.
Private 5G fundamentally changes this situation. With complete control over a dedicated, owned network, airports receive secure, high-performance, low-latency connectivity that is tailored to their operational needs – be it for airside inspections, perimeter security or ground handling.
In concrete terms, this means: fewer end devices, simplified processes and faster decisions – all based on a robust, uniform digital backbone.
Three airports, three use cases
Although the technological foundation is identical, each of the three Croatian airports shows how private 5G can be adapted to local conditions:
- Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport will use drones with ultra-HD cameras and AI-powered analytics to inspect runways, fences and infrastructure. Time-consuming manual checks will be carried out faster, safer and more precisely in the future.
- Pula Airport, which operates on a smaller scale, will install a network of UHD cameras and sensors along the perimeter. These systems detect damage or unauthorized intrusion in real time – whether from people, animals or weather – and immediately alert operations teams.
- Zadar Airport equips employees with industrial-grade tablets that are connected via private 5G. In the future, inspection data will be recorded digitally and transmitted immediately – radio messages will be eliminated and the risk of human error will be reduced.
At all three locations, the benefits are clear: higher safety, increased productivity and a seamless experience for passengers and employees.
Just as the networks can be flexibly tailored to the specific requirements of each airport, they can also be adapted to the individual needs of individual airlines, operators or other users – with tailor-made infrastructure for each application.
What does this mean for passengers?
For the millions of travelers arriving or departing Croatia every year, private 5G doesn’t mean technology – but a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
Smarter operations mean shorter wait times, fewer disruptions and more reliable flight schedules – especially during the busy summer season. Faster inspections and real-time monitoring help keep runways available and flights dispatched on time. At the same time, improved coordination of ground crews reduces delays in boarding, baggage handling and turnaround.
Better connectivity also increases safety and security behind the scenes – without additional steps for passengers. With the increasing digitalization of check-in, boarding and information services, travelers also benefit from clearer updates, faster processes and a more predictable process – from the terminal entrance to the gate.
In a country where tourism plays a central role, these improvements will help ensure that a visit or holiday in Croatia is remembered positively from start to finish.
A blueprint for Europe – and beyond
The particular relevance of this project lies in its scalability. The combination of private 5G, edge computing and artificial intelligence creates a flexible platform that can be adapted to different environments. Supported by EU funding and developed in close collaboration with regulators, universities and technology partners, the project shows how innovation can be introduced responsibly in safety-critical areas.
At the same time, it represents a more comprehensive vision: With specialized teams of experts, Deutsche Telekom is enabling the rollout of private 5G networks in several countries – adapted to local requirements and regulatory frameworks – and is driving innovative, high-impact use cases across industries.
From aviation and logistics to energy and healthcare to smart cities, private 5G is much more than just faster connectivity. It forms a reliable digital foundation so that critical infrastructures can be operated more efficiently, securely and sustainably – today and in the future.
At MWC, experience how private 5G goes from a vision to Europe’s critical infrastructure
As Europe modernizes its infrastructure and strengthens its digital sovereignty, projects like NextGen 5G Airports send a clear message: the future of connectivity is not just about faster speeds, but about smarter systems that make everyday life safer, more efficient and more sustainable.
This future has already started in Croatia – straight from the runway.
Deutsche Telekom at MWC Barcelona from March 2nd to 5th, 2026
Airports of the future on stage
Marijana Bačić (Hrvatski Telekom), Mirela Šešerko (Deutsche Telekom) and Marin Tica (Zagreb International Airport) show how private 5G is transforming airport operations – from AI-powered runway and perimeter inspections to autonomous ground vehicles in highly regulated environments.
Wednesday, March 4, 10:30 a.m in the live stream: mwc.telekom.com/2026
Stream press conference
Live from Barcelona on March 2nd from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m www.telekom.com/medien
Theme special MWC
Further information on the individual topics can be found atwww.telekom.com/mwc
Visit us – in Barcelona or online
Experience our products and technologies live. From March 2nd to 5th, 2026 you will find Deutsche Telekom in Hall 3 at stand 3M31. We look forward to seeing you. All events are streamed live. Stage program and events:mwc.telekom.com/2026
