Less Aircraft Noise Over Prague: Václav Havel Airport Resumes Operations on Main Runway

After more than four months, the main runway at Prague Airport will reopen on Friday. This will also bring an end to the increased air traffic over densely populated parts of Prague and Central Bohemia.

After more than four months, the main runway at Václav Havel Airport Prague will reopen to air traffic on Friday, 14 August. Aircraft will therefore return to their usual routes and will no longer regularly fly over densely populated areas of Prague and Central Bohemia.

Since 30 March, air traffic has been handled via the secondary runway 12/30 due to the modernisation of the main runway 06/24. This resulted in aircraft temporarily flying over densely populated parts of the Czech capital and the Central Bohemian Region.

Operations are now due to return to the main runway on Friday. The airport is currently carrying out final inspections, necessary tests and calibration measurements. The first aircraft are expected to take off from and land on the main runway again at around 3 pm.

Visualisation: Prague Airport – Parallel Runway

Rerouting of Air Traffic Prompted Criticism – Planned Parallel Runway Intended to Provide a Long-Term Solution

The temporary rerouting of air traffic prompted criticism from numerous residents in the affected areas. The decision to carry out the work during the summer months was met with particular incomprehension. The airport justified the timing of the work on technical and safety grounds. The secondary runway is not equipped for take-offs and landings in conditions of reduced visibility.

Until a parallel runway is built, there is no alternative during such a closure but to transfer operations to the secondary runway. In December last year, the airport received preliminary planning approval for the planned parallel runway, although the decision is not yet legally binding. According to earlier information, construction is expected to begin after 2030.