NEW ERA FOR PRAGUE AIRPORT
Prague Airport is preparing for one of the most ambitious transformations in its history, a long-term expansion that reaches far beyond traditional aviation infrastructure. The “Airport City” project is designed not only to increase the capacity of runways and terminals but also to redefine the role of the airport within the city’s urban fabric. By using reclaimed land and surrounding space, the initiative will create a multifunctional district that brings together commercial, residential, cultural, and educational elements. Plans include green parks, cultural venues, retail promenades, and sports grounds, with discussions even pointing to the possibility of a new national football stadium. Hotels, hospitals, and a large-scale congress center are also envisioned, providing services not only for travelers but also for residents and businesses. The guiding idea is that airports are no longer just gateways for flights but integrated hubs where people can live, work, learn, and connect. This forward-looking approach aligns Prague with global trends in aviation development, where major hubs seek to establish themselves as self-sustaining urban ecosystems.
The state of play
While the long-term vision is vast, some steps are already underway, marking the first visible signs of change. In March 2025, construction work began around Aviatická Street and near Terminal 1, including the creation of a new underground supply corridor that will support future operations. At the same time, the airport launched a major renovation of its main runway, a project scheduled to last more than four months with additional works continuing into 2026. These early activities form part of the broader modernization strategy that will unfold over the next decade. Plans for new parking facilities, including electric vehicle infrastructure and digital monitoring systems, are set for 2026–2029. Expansion of Terminals 1 and 2 is expected to begin between 2027 and 2028, with full completion by 2033, allowing for a significant increase in passenger handling capacity. Perhaps the most decisive milestone will come after 2030, when the airport starts construction of a new parallel runway and permanently closes the existing secondary one. This will not only improve safety and efficiency but also release a large area of land for the future Airport City developments.
Night-flight ban and sustainability goals
A central feature of the upcoming expansion is the introduction of a strict ban on night flights between midnight and 5:30 a.m. This measure responds to years of concerns from local residents about noise pollution and aims to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods under the current flight paths. The closure of the secondary runway will further reduce disruption, with flights redirected to the new parallel runway once it is complete. In addition to reducing noise, the airport is integrating sustainability measures across its operations, from energy-efficient building designs to enhanced public transport access. The strategy demonstrates a commitment to balancing the economic benefits of expansion with environmental and social responsibility. By putting residents’ well-being and sustainable growth at the forefront, Prague Airport hopes to set a new standard for how large infrastructure projects can coexist with surrounding communities.
Modern terminals and improved passenger experience
Alongside infrastructure changes, passenger comfort lies at the heart of the airport’s modernization efforts. The upcoming expansions of Terminals 1 and 2 will include new piers to accommodate more medium and long-haul aircraft, as well as modernized commercial spaces that offer travelers a wider range of services. Technological upgrades will streamline security and check-in processes, reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall journey. The installation of next-generation CT X-ray machines will allow passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their luggage, potentially ending the long-standing 100-milliliter liquid restriction. Meanwhile, self-service check-in facilities are being expanded to cover more airlines, with 13 already included and more expected in the near future. These improvements will align Prague with major European hubs, ensuring that the airport remains competitive and attractive to both airlines and passengers seeking smoother travel experiences.
Transport links and the urban hub ahead
The Airport City project also emphasizes accessibility, recognizing that modern airports must be seamlessly connected to the cities they serve. A new Skywalk over Aviatická Street will give passengers safe, direct connections between terminals and parking zones, while future parking facilities will accommodate electric vehicles and advanced monitoring systems. The most significant improvement in external connectivity, however, is the planned direct railway line to Prague’s city center. Scheduled for completion by 2030, this link will reduce travel time to just 25 minutes and include an underground station at Terminal 2, the first of its kind in the Czech Republic. At the same time, the electrification of the 119 bus line, which links the airport to the city’s metro network, is underway. These transport initiatives will provide the backbone of the Airport City development, ensuring that the district functions as a genuine urban hub. By combining aviation infrastructure with cultural venues, green spaces, sports facilities, and business hubs, Prague Airport’s transformation reflects a broader vision of airports as dynamic, multifunctional cities of the future.
