Václav Havel Airport Prague

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the international airport serving Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. It is located 17 kilometres northwest of the city centre, in Ruzyně, Prague. The airport was named after Václav Havel, the last President of Czechoslovakia and the first President of the Czech Republic. It is a major hub for Czech Airlines and a focus city for Smartwings.

History

Václav Havel Airport Prague has a long history dating back to 1936, when it was established as a military airport. During World War II, the airport was used by the German Luftwaffe. After the war, it was used for both military and civilian purposes. In 1960, the airport was expanded and modernized, and it became a major hub for Československé státní aerolinie, the national airline of Czechoslovakia. In 1991, the airport was renamed Prague Ruzyně Airport in honour of the nearby Ruzyně district. In 2004, it was renamed again to Václav Havel Airport Prague, in honour of the former President of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a new terminal building that was opened in 2006.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is used for non-European Union flights, while Terminal 2 is used for European Union flights. The airport also has a small terminal called Terminal 3, which is used for private and charter flights. The terminals offer a range of services, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and business lounges. The airport has a capacity of around 17 million passengers per year.

Airlines and destinations

Václav Havel Airport Prague is a hub for Czech Airlines and a focus city for Smartwings. The airport is served by a number of airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and British Airways. The airport offers flights to a range of destinations around the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. Some of the most popular destinations served from the airport include Paris, London, Berlin, and New York City.

Statistics

In 2020, Václav Havel Airport Prague served around 7.2 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Central Europe. The airport has experienced steady growth in recent years, with passenger numbers increasing by around 10% per year. The airport is a major hub for cargo traffic, with a range of cargo airlines operating from the airport.

Ground transportation

The airport is connected to the city centre by a range of ground transportation options, including buses, taxis, and trains. The airport is located near the R7 highway, which connects the airport to the city centre. The airport also has a train station, which offers connections to the city centre and other destinations in the Czech Republic. The Prague Airport Express bus service connects the airport to the city centre, and takes around 30-40 minutes.