Recent criticism has suggested Prague Airport lags behind regional competitors like Warsaw and Budapest. Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport, strongly contests this claim, emphasizing that the airport stands on solid foundations, boasts clear strategic direction, and is experiencing dynamic growth despite significant challenges.
According to ACI Europe’s latest data, total passenger traffic across European airports has exceeded 2019 levels by 1.9 percent. Prague Airport has matched this recovery rate in 2024, despite facing substantial adversities. These included the impacts of the global pandemic, the bankruptcy of national carrier Czech Airlines (CSA), and geopolitical fallout from the Ukraine conflict, which led to a substantial loss in the Russian and Ukrainian markets—previously responsible for over three million passengers annually.
However, critics argue that Prague’s recovery pace remains relatively slow compared to its regional peers. Warsaw Chopin Airport and Budapest Airport have already significantly exceeded their pre-pandemic performance levels, highlighting concerns that Prague is not capturing its full growth potential. Analysts suggest that the absence of a dominant national airline, such as Warsaw’s LOT Polish Airlines or Budapest’s strategic reliance on low-cost giant Wizz Air, weakens Prague’s competitive positioning.
In response, Jiří Pos highlights Prague Airport’s strategy of diversification, stability, and service quality. Currently, Prague Airport connects to 164 destinations through 62 airlines—a notably higher number of airlines and destinations compared to Warsaw’s 145 destinations (33 airlines) and Budapest’s 143 destinations (43 airlines). Recent additions include prestigious carriers like Etihad Airways, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, and Condor, which have introduced new long-haul routes to Toronto, Abu Dhabi, and Seoul. Moreover, capacity enhancements have been implemented across over 70 existing routes.
Yet critics maintain skepticism, pointing out that quantity alone does not guarantee profitability or strategic strength. Some aviation experts argue that without a strong national carrier or anchor airline, Prague Airport could remain vulnerable to shifts in airline priorities, market fluctuations, and external shocks. Furthermore, despite positive passenger growth, critics note delays in infrastructure developments, such as the airport’s long-awaited rail connection to the city center, which remains incomplete and years behind schedule compared to competing regional hubs.
Despite such criticisms, Prague Airport is actively addressing infrastructural challenges. Terminal 2 expansion plans are progressing, aiming to significantly increase passenger handling capabilities. Additionally, the rail link connecting the airport directly to Prague’s city center has reached crucial construction milestones, promising to boost accessibility and enhance the airport’s attractiveness.
Looking ahead, Prague Airport anticipates serving over 18 million passengers in 2025—a record figure representing a 10 percent growth over 2024. Jiří Pos remains confident in the airport’s strategy, asserting its position as a stable, transparent, and sustainably growing hub.
Ultimately, while challenges and critiques persist, Prague Airport’s ambitious growth strategies, expanding international connectivity, and ongoing infrastructure projects suggest that it remains firmly positioned as a competitive and increasingly significant player among Europe’s leading airports.