Prague Airport Prepares for Extended Closure of Runway 06/24

From the end of March, Václav Havel Airport Prague will begin the second phase of the closure of its main runway 06/24, which is expected to last around 4.5 months. All flight operations will be moved to the secondary runway 12/30 during this period.

From Monday, 30 March 2026, the second phase of the closure of the main runway 06/24 at Václav Havel Airport Prague will commence, expected to last approximately 4.5 months. As in the previous year, extensive construction and technological workflows around the main runway are necessary to maintain the runway in accordance with legally required standards and to ensure operational safety and reliability.

During the closure, all flight traffic will be redirected to the secondary runway 12/30. This runway directs arrivals and departures over densely populated areas of Prague and Central Bohemia. “At present, there is no alternative for the airport, as the parallel runway is not yet operational,” explains Eva Krejčí from airport management. The work is also being carried out in cooperation with partners such as Pražská plynárenská, the Road and Motorway Directorate, and the Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic.

Grafic: Prague Airport

The closure will also affect the summer months and is planned until 14 August. “We only use the secondary runway during the absolutely necessary period. Since it is not equipped for take-offs and landings in low visibility, we carry out the work in months when the frequency of fog is statistically lowest. We ask residents for their understanding and remain in close contact with the affected municipalities. This year as well, we will provide them with financial support,” Krejčí continues. During the closure, landings are mostly planned towards Prague and departures towards Kladno.

The largest construction projects include the reconstruction and expansion of taxiway intersections, the construction of a new cable duct, the replacement of the airport fence, and the renewal of LED guidance lights for safe take-offs, landings, and taxiing. Additionally, routine maintenance work will be carried out, such as the upkeep of paved and unpaved areas, maintenance of substructures, rubber removal, and renewal of ground markings.

“All work is planned to be completed this year. No comparable closure is scheduled for 2027. Due to weather conditions, it was not possible to complete all the work in a single year. The measures are being carried out within a very short time frame,” explains Krejčí. In parallel, the airport is continuing the planning of the parallel runway. Once operational, the current secondary runway can be closed, and future work can be planned so that densely populated areas are not affected.