Current Runway Operations
Prague Airport (Václav Havel Airport Prague) primarily utilizes runway 06/24, handling more than 80% of the airport’s traffic. The secondary runway, 12/30, is only used when the main runway is unavailable due to technical or meteorological reasons. Although Prague Airport has two runways, only one is regularly operational. Currently, the hourly capacity of the main runway stands at 46 aircraft movements (take-offs and landings), ranking the airport among Europe’s most efficient single-runway airports.
Capacity Limitations
Despite its efficiency, the existing single-runway system is currently overburdened, particularly during peak hours. A solution to this capacity limitation is the construction of a new parallel runway, which would significantly increase the airport’s operational capability.
New Parallel Runway Specifications
The planned new runway, designated as 06R/24L, will be parallel and located 1,525 meters south of the existing runway, which will then be renamed to 06L/24R. The new runway is set to replace the existing cross runway 12/30, which will be decommissioned. The parallel runway will measure 3,550 meters in length and 60 meters in width. It will be equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category IIIB in both directions, enabling precision approaches and automatic landings even in zero visibility conditions.
Anticipated Operational Improvements
Upon completion of the parallel runway, the airport’s hourly capacity is projected to increase from the current 46 to 72 aircraft movements per hour. This substantial improvement is intended to meet growing air traffic demands and relieve current congestion.
Environmental and Operational Conditions
The runway construction received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Ministry of Environment on 27 October 2011, with 71 specific conditions, including strict limits on nighttime operations. To minimize environmental and noise impact, the main runway will be closed from midnight to 5:30 AM, and the parallel runway will suspend operations from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Historical Delays and Land Acquisition Issues
Initially, the project was announced in 2004, with a planned construction start in 2007 and completion by 2009. However, the approval process was prolonged, facing over 3,600 public comments and significant community opposition. Additionally, controversy arose when essential land intended for the runway was sold by the Land Fund of the Czech Republic in 2003 to private investors. Penta Investments acquired critical land plots in 2005, reselling them back to Prague Airport in 2008 under financially beneficial terms.
Legal and Community Challenges
In 2005, special law No. 544/2005 Coll. was passed to expedite the runway project by declaring it in the public interest, permitting automatic expropriation. However, the Constitutional Court annulled this law in March 2009 following challenges by local residents and politicians.
Local associations, including the Civic Association for Nebušice, continue opposing the project due to environmental concerns, successfully challenging zoning plans before administrative and constitutional courts multiple times.
Current Status and Project Outlook (as of March 2025)
While initial timelines planned the runway to open by 2019, legal setbacks, community opposition, and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly delayed progress. Currently, Prague Airport is actively pursuing the project, with the zoning approval process ongoing since 2024. A preliminary zoning decision is expected in 2025. Construction commencement is now anticipated after 2030.
Broader Modernization Efforts
In parallel with the runway project, Prague Airport is undertaking extensive modernization and infrastructure improvements, including a CZK 32 billion investment to expand Terminal 2 between 2026 and 2033, improve access roads, and establish a direct rail link to Prague’s city center. These improvements are designed to complement the increased runway capacity and overall airport operational efficiency.