Prague Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in Europe, expecting to handle 14.9 million passengers in 2024 (1). The airport offers a variety of destinations, including London, Taiwan, Seoul, and Reykjavik. It also faces some challenges and opportunities in expanding its capacity and establishing new long-haul routes.
Photo credit: Prague Airport, Facebook page
Why Prague Airport is Popular Among Travelers?
Prague Airport has seen a steady increase in passenger numbers, especially during the summer season (2). The airport welcomed 3.1 million passengers in July and early August 2023, with a flight-occupancy rate of 89 percent throughout the year so far (3,4).
One of the reasons for its popularity is the attractiveness of Prague as a tourist destination. The city is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. It also offers a variety of attractions, such as the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square.
Another reason is the availability of flights to and from many destinations around the world. Prague Airport has opened new routes to Taiwan, Seoul, Reykjavik, Gdańsk, and Yerevan this year (5). London remains the most popular destination among travelers, partly due to the high number of British tourists visiting Prague (6).
Prague Airport also has a strong presence of two major airlines: Smartwings and Ryanair. Smartwings has a 34-percent market share at Prague Airport, followed by Ryanair at 14 percent (7). These airlines offer competitive prices and convenient schedules for travelers.
What Challenges and Opportunities Prague Airport Faces?
Prague Airport is not without its challenges and opportunities as it strives to grow and improve its services. One of the main challenges is to establish new long-haul routes to the U.S. and India, which are in high demand among travelers (8). However, this is not easy due to aircraft capacity constraints and the pandemic situation.
Another challenge is to ensure sustainable navigation services at regional airports, which are financed by regions, the state, and the Czech Air Traffic Control (9). The transport minister highlighted the need for this issue to be addressed, as regional airports can help reduce the congestion at Prague Airport.
One of the main opportunities for Prague Airport is to expand its terminal and runway facilities to accommodate up to 21.2 million passengers per year in the near future (10). This will require investments and approvals from various stakeholders. The airport has already revealed its ambitious plans for this project.
Another opportunity is to use innovative technologies such as a remote tower system at České Budějovice airport, which is expected to launch within the next two to three years (11). This system will allow the airport to manage traffic using the existing workforce and minimize costs.
Conclusion
Prague Airport is a rising star in European aviation, offering a wide range of destinations, competitive prices, and convenient services for travelers. The airport also faces some challenges and opportunities in expanding its capacity and establishing new long-haul routes. Prague Airport is definitely worth considering for your next trip!
Learn more:
https://www.prg.aero/en
https://www.prg.aero/en/flight-info/destinations-and-timetables
https://www.prg.aero/en/flight-info/flight-occupancy
https://www.prg.aero/en/press-releases/prague-airport-expects-149-million-passengers-2024
https://www.prg.aero/en/press-releases/prague-airport-welcomed-over-31-million-passengers-during-july-and-early-august
https://www.prg.aero/en/press-releases/prague-airport-witnessed-strongest-first-holiday-weekend-ever
https://www.prg.aero/en/press-releases/prague-airport-handled-58-million-passengers-first-half-year
https://www.radio.cz/en/section/news/prague-airport-to-handle-nearly-15-million-passengers-in-2024
https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/prague-airport-to-handle-nearly-15-million-passengers-in-2024
https://www.cianews.cz/en/prague-airport-to-handle-nearly-15-million-passengers-in-2024
https://www.cianews.cz/en/czech-airports-to-use-new-navigation-systems