Avoiding Last Year’s Mistakes

After last year’s baggage-handling issues left many travelers without luggage, Prague Airport is determined not to repeat the same scenario. In summer 2024, overwhelmed airport staff led to serious delays in baggage processing, with some travelers arriving at their destinations while their bags remained in Prague.

“Last year in Greece, we found out our luggage was still in Prague—and even days later, it was sitting outside at the airport,” shared one unhappy traveler.

This year, the airport aims to be better prepared.

“We’re ready—at least to a certain extent. I believe this year will be better than last,” said Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board.

Hiring and Technology Improvements

With over 18 million passengers expected, the airport is expanding its workforce and investing in technology:

  • 60 new full-time baggage handlers to be hired by the end of May

  • 185 total workers targeted, with 70% being permanent staff and 30% seasonal

  • Additional hiring for check-in desks and security personnel (+6% vs. 2024)

  • All new hires must complete security training and pass civil aviation reliability checks

To speed up processing, new CT scanners will be deployed at Terminal 2, allowing electronics and liquids to remain in hand luggage. The scanners should increase security capacity by 20%. The liquid limit remains unchanged: max 100ml per container, in a 1-liter bag.

Self-Service Expansion

Self-check-in and bag-drop kiosks are being expanded in both terminals. These systems are increasingly popular and supported by more airlines each year.

Summer Flight Schedule: 165 Destinations, 75 Airlines

From 30 March to 25 October 2025, travelers can choose from 165 destinations operated by 75 airlines. The airport also expects a 5% rise in Czechs booking through travel agencies.

New & Returning Routes

  • Air Canada resumes direct flights to Toronto

  • Etihad Airways introduces a route to Abu Dhabi

  • Asiana Airlines increases capacity to Seoul

  • Air Baltic adds Vilnius, reconnecting Prague to all Baltic capitals

  • Croatia Airlines launches new flights to Zagreb

On 40+ regular routes, the number of weekly flights is increasing—including to Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Larger aircraft will also be used on select routes, including the Airbus A380 to Dubai.

“We expect record-breaking traffic this summer. Our goal is to minimize the impact of any flight delays,” said Jiří Pos.

Airspace Preparedness

Jan Klas, CEO of Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, confirmed:

  • Airspace optimization is complete

  • The TopSky control system is stable

  • Agreement with EUROCONTROL allows flexible flow management from 17 April 2025, easing congestion in neighboring Germany and Austria

Travel Trends and Tour Operators

Nearly one-third of Czech travelers book through tour operators. According to DER Touristik CZ and Čedok:

  • Top destinations: Turkish Riviera, Greek islands, Spain, Egypt, and Tunisia

  • Travelers increasingly book 4- and 5-star hotels, business class seats, priority boarding, and lounge access

  • Čedok offers direct summer flights to Zanzibar starting late June

  • Flexi Parking and private transfers enhance travel comfort

“Czechs want stress-free, quality holidays and are choosing premium services more than ever,” said Klára Divíšková of Čedok.

Blue Style: Summer Demand Soars

Blue Style reports high demand, with over 1.5 million Czech tourists flying last summer, including 300,000 with their agency alone.

  • Popular spots include Albania, Bulgaria, Greek islands, Turkey, and Egypt

  • Albania is gaining popularity due to short flights and stunning Adriatic beaches

Leading Airlines: Smartwings on Top

With a 60% market share, Smartwings is the dominant player in the summer holiday segment, followed by Ryanair and Eurowings.

  • Smartwings carried over 2.6 million passengers during summer 2024

  • New or expanded routes for 2025 include Madrid, Cagliari, Olbia, Sardinia, Lanzarote, Tel Aviv, and more

  • Business class is now available on Canary Islands flights

“Smartwings will offer direct flights to around 70 destinations from Prague this summer,” said Michal Váňa, Smartwings’ Commercial Director.

Runway Modernization and Community Concerns

The main runway is undergoing renovation, and operations have temporarily shifted to a backup runway from the 1940s. Nearby residents in Lidice and Barrandov report increased noise.

  • 15 infrastructure projects worth €28 million (700 million CZK) are underway

  • Complaints focus on early-morning and late-night flights

  • Prague Airport plans to offer affected communities financial compensation of up to €400,000 (10 million CZK)

“We’re working hard to improve infrastructure while balancing the impact on surrounding areas,” said spokesperson Denisa Hejtmánková.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

  • Renovated Mastercard Lounge opens in Terminal 1

  • Flexi Parking now available near POP Airport with shuttle service

  • PC Comfort garage has been upgraded

  • Express parking now allows payment directly at exit gates

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