Prague Václav Havel Airport is preparing for a record-breaking 2025 season that promises unprecedented growth and an improved passenger experience. The airport has announced that it expects an 11 per cent increase in capacity this year, handling up to 18 million passengers, surpassing its 2019 record. Highlights include a new direct service to Toronto, Canada, and increased frequencies to Seoul, Korea.
At the same time, according to recent press reports, plans are underway to deploy advanced technology, including automated baggage check-in kiosks and an enhanced security screening system. These measures should help to mitigate the risk of delays caused by the increase in flights over the European continent, especially in view of the average annual increase of 5 percent in the number of aircraft. Indeed, last year some European airports, particularly in Germany and Hungary, faced capacity constraints, with a chain of delays that quickly spread to other countries. In the Czech Republic, complications were compounded by problems in baggage handling.
Director of Air Traffic Control Jan Klas warned that despite the measures taken, similar operational difficulties could be encountered this season, including in parts of the Balkans where pressure on air traffic control remains high. This is compounded by other logistical challenges, as recently reported by the Hospodářské noviny news agency.
The flight schedule for Prague Ruzyně Airport this year features 75 airlines with 165 destinations – one more route than last summer. “We are still missing some long-haul routes and all traffic to Russia and Ukraine,” said Jiří Pos, chairman of the board of Prague Airport. However, the shortfall of these 16 destinations is being compensated by the development of charter flights, with new additions including expanded offerings to holiday destinations such as Zanzibar – previously operated mainly in winter – as well as Italy’s Comiso and Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica.
Other press releases indicate that Prague is also focusing on digitising operational processes and investing in infrastructure upgrades. The planned innovations are intended to enhance check-in efficiency and overall passenger safety, which should have a positive impact on customer satisfaction despite the expected surge in flights.
However, challenges remain in the quest to connect all European capitals with a direct flight from Prague – specifically the transport links to Ljubljana, Slovenia and Skopje, Macedonia. Intensive negotiations with the Macedonian government are already underway with the aim of closing these gaps as soon as possible.
All in all, Prague is entering the 2025 season with ambitious plans that should not only increase the number of passengers but also the overall quality of services. The expected modernisation investments and technological solutions promise that the airport will be able to meet the operational challenges, even with the increasing pressure on European air traffic. Further details on the upcoming measures and future investments are expected in forthcoming press conferences.