Prague 6 Calls for Full Ban on Night Flights from 2032

Prague 6 is calling for a complete ban on night flights at Václav Havel Airport Prague. By 2032 at the latest, no scheduled take-offs or landings should take place between midnight and 5:30 am.

The Prague 6 District Council has rejected the plans for future night-time operations presented by Prague Airport in March. While the district administration welcomes the airport's efforts to improve sustainability, it believes the proposed measures and the current limit of 48 night-time flight movements are insufficient to adequately protect the health of residents and their night-time peace.

Prague 6 is therefore seeking the complete abolition of scheduled night flights between 12:00 am and 5:30 am by 2032 at the latest. Exceptions would only apply in extraordinary circumstances and emergencies.

According to the district's proposal, the number of night flights should be reduced by at least 20 per cent each year from 2027. The gradual reduction would ultimately lead to a complete ban.

Foto: Prague Airport

The district administration acknowledges that regulating airspace and the operation of an international airport cannot be achieved through a unilateral decision. Close cooperation between several public and private institutions will therefore be necessary.

Prague 6 is therefore calling on Prague Airport, the Czech Air Navigation Services, the national slot coordinator, and the Ministries of Finance and Transport to begin joint negotiations. For this purpose, a working group comprising representatives of all the institutions involved is to be established.

"Our clear and long-term goal is to ensure that the residents of Prague 6 can enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted night's sleep. This is a fundamental prerequisite for health and quality of life in our district," said Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek.

The proposed flight ban between midnight and 5:30 am is the district administration's highest priority. At the same time, it is clear that such a far-reaching step can only be achieved through constructive discussions and close cooperation.

"The airport is an important part of the country's national infrastructure. That is why we will actively negotiate with all partners – from the ministries to the air navigation services," Stárek said. The aim is to find a solution that takes into account both the sustainable development of the region and the interests of the people who live there.

Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš, the district councillor responsible for transport, also welcomed the airport's measures to reduce environmental and noise impacts. However, he said that the current situation and the proposed future model do not yet represent a complete solution.