Prague Airport’s Main Runway Set for Major Renovation: What Travelers Need to Know!
Václav Havel Airport in Prague is gearing up for a significant update to its infrastructure, with the closure of its main runway taking effect today, March 31, for a duration of four and a half months.
This comprehensive renovation will require air traffic to be redirected to the airport’s secondary runway, which will inevitably lead to a rise in flight routes over densely populated regions, including Prague, Kladno, and several areas within Central Bohemia.
The maintenance initiative will encompass 15 different construction and technological improvements, with a main emphasis on the repair of taxiways and the reconstruction of the sewer system. Officials at the airport have emphasized that since these construction activities are located in close proximity to the main runway, standard flight operations will not be feasible during this timeframe.
Eva Krejčí, who serves as the Communications and Marketing Director, clarified that the closure was strategically scheduled during a season with minimal fog to help reduce any potential disruptions, as the secondary runway lacks the necessary equipment to operate in low-visibility conditions.
Though the main runway was entirely rebuilt between 2012 and 2013 and does not necessitate further repairs, the surrounding infrastructure improvements are projected to continue until 2026.
As we look towards the future, the airport is still dedicated to its long-anticipated parallel runway project, an ambition that was initially suggested in the 1960s. With the necessary approvals regarding environmental impact and legal challenges successfully navigated, construction is slated to commence following 2030.
This expansion plan has sparked discussions among local government officials. Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek (ODS) has called for a quicker timeline for the parallel runway to avoid potential future disruptions.
Conversely, officials from Suchdol and Nebušice have expressed opposition, raising concerns about the possibility of increased air traffic and heightened noise pollution.
