Prague Airport Sees 29% Passenger Surge with New Routes

Prague Airport (PRG) has announced a significant 29% rise in passenger traffic in 2024, with forecasts projecting a total of 16.2 million passengers by year-end. This remarkable growth is driven by a robust marketing strategy, attractive airline incentive programs, and close partnerships with tourism authorities, all of which have cemented PRG’s reputation as a thriving international hub.

Throughout 2024, PRG made considerable strides in expanding its network. The airport successfully onboarded 14 new carriers and introduced 58 new routes, while also increasing capacity or frequency on over 40 existing services. These enhancements have not only provided more travel options for passengers but have also bolstered Prague Airport’s connectivity to various key markets worldwide.

A number of high-profile route launches have captured attention this year. Notably, SCAT Airlines launched a twice-weekly service to Astana in May, offering new travel opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. Around the same time, Qanot Sharq Airlines began its new route to Tashkent, further diversifying the airport’s route portfolio. In June, Hainan Airlines initiated a three-times-weekly flight service to Beijing, reinforcing strong ties between Central Europe and China’s capital. Adding to the momentum, EgyptAir resumed its service to Cairo in July after a 13-year hiatus, a move that underscores PRG’s ability to attract legacy carriers back into the market.

Looking ahead to 2025, Prague Airport is set to further boost its international connections. Air Canada is poised to resume its seasonal service to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), while Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its inaugural route to Abu Dhabi, with both services scheduled to start in June. These upcoming routes are expected to draw even more international travelers and elevate the airport’s competitive edge within the global aviation market.

PRG’s Executive Director of Aviation Business Development, Jiri Vyskoc, highlighted the airport’s strategic focus on enhancing long-haul connectivity. “We are particularly targeting key routes to New York, Shanghai, and Seoul,” Vyskoc said. Such long-haul connections are seen as vital to further integrating Prague into the global aviation network, offering travelers more convenient access to major world cities. The airport is also actively pursuing opportunities on several high-potential unserved routes, including New Delhi, Bangkok, and Hanoi. Hanoi, in particular, stands out as Prague’s largest unserved market, supported by the presence of the Czech Republic’s significant Vietnamese community—the third largest in Europe.

In addition to long-haul ambitions, the airport is exploring European route opportunities. Connections to cities such as Hamburg, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Zagreb are being prioritized as part of efforts to strengthen intra-European travel options and cater to growing demand within the region.

The impressive achievements of Prague Airport have not gone unnoticed in the industry. PRG recently received a Routes World Award in the 10-20 Million Passengers category—a recognition that Vyskoc described as “a fantastic achievement for the whole team and great recognition of our work and relationships with airlines.” He added that the award serves as additional motivation to further enhance these industry relationships and drive continued network growth.

At Routes World 2024, PRG showcased its commitment to route development by engaging with the international aviation community. “We’ve had a lot of productive meetings, and it’s extremely important for us to be here for visibility that promotes Prague Airport and the destination,” Vyskoc remarked. Through initiatives such as its Routes 360 profile, PRG remains engaged with route developers year-round, actively pursuing both unserved and underserved opportunities to boost its network.

With an impressive passenger surge and an ambitious network expansion strategy, Prague Airport is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, enhancing its role as a pivotal gateway in European and global aviation.

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