Taking off: Prague Airport sees strong rise in passenger numbers in 2023

According to data from Prague Airport, there has been a notable increase in passenger numbers in 2023, with the airport handling 4.4 million travelers during the initial five months of this year. This figure represents an increase of 1.3 million passengers compared to the same period last year and a substantial rise of 4 million passengers compared to 2021. These statistics, Prague Airport says, highlight the gradual recovery of the aviation industry.

The most popular routes departing from Prague are to London, Paris, and Milan, reflecting the continued demand for travel to major European destinations. Notably, May marked the second consecutive month in which the number of checked-in passengers surpassed 1 million.

Last year, Prague Airport first recorded 1 million passengers in June, with the subsequent summer months traditionally witnessing heightened interest in air travel. Recently, during the initial holiday weekend, the airport processed nearly 160,000 passengers, the highest number of any weekend this year, according to spokeswoman Klára Divíšková.

Initially projecting around 12.5 million passengers for the full year, Divíšková now anticipates that Prague Airport will handle over 13 million passengers in light of the current positive trends. As of now, London remains the most sought-after destination from Prague, attracting approximately 420,000 passengers, followed by Paris with around 270,000 passengers and Milan with 215,000 passengers.

In 2020, the airport handled 10.7 million passengers, falling short of 2019's figures when it catered to 17.8 million travelers. Divíšková expects a return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers around 2026. This year, the airport offers flights to 152 destinations, an increase of five compared to last year, with a total of 65 carriers operating these routes. In 2019, Prague Airport offered 190 direct flights.

Earlier this year, Czechia's largest airport launched new flights to Seoul, Taiwan, and Yerevan. It also added new connections with the popular Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

The upward trajectory of passenger numbers at Prague Airport is a positive step toward the aviation industry's recovery. With the easing of travel restrictions and the gradual return to normalcy, the airport is poised to regain its pre-pandemic status as a prominent European travel hub.