The construction of the new runway at Prague Airport should begin in four years

Prague - The construction of a new parallel runway at Prague Airport is expected to start in 2022 and should take approximately four years. However, the final decision on the timeline will only be made next year based on an analysis of future developments in air traffic. The operational capacity of the airport is expected to increase by three to four million passengers to 21 million handled passengers per year due to the new runway. The airport spokesperson, Roman Pacvoň, informed ČTK today. The airport also welcomed the court's decision, which dismissed the complaints of construction critics. The estimated cost of construction is nine billion crowns.

Some Prague districts and organizations have long protested against the construction of the runway, fearing adverse effects on the environment. However, the Supreme Administrative Court (NSS) dismissed their appeal against the ruling of the Municipal Court in Prague on Wednesday. The plaintiffs unsuccessfully sought to annul the update of the Principles of Territorial Development of the Capital City of Prague, which delineated the proposed third take-off and landing runway at Václav Havel Airport.

"Since a written version of the ruling, including reasoning, is not yet available, we cannot comment on it in detail. However, we generally state that we welcome every decision that allows for the development of airport infrastructure in accordance with the state's territorial development policy," said Roman Pacvoň, spokesperson for Prague Airport, to ČTK.

The construction of the parallel runway is part of the airport's long-term development plans, which aim to increase its operational capacity given the rising number of passengers. The airport expects to handle nearly 17 million passengers this year, corresponding to current maximum capacities.

According to the airport, the parallel runway, which will be more than three kilometers long, will primarily serve for the landing of aircraft. The capacity for aircraft movements at the airport, both take-offs and landings, is expected to increase to 72 movements per hour thanks to this.

"In terms of air movements, especially during peak operational times, it is already becoming the case that we cannot offer some airlines their ideally requested landing and take-off times," noted Pacvoň.

In connection with the construction of the runway, the airport also anticipates that night operations could be completely halted from midnight to 5:29 AM. Operations should also be reduced after 10 PM and from 5:30 AM to 5:59 AM.

Currently, the airport is completing documentation for the planning procedure. Earlier, the airport managed to secure a five-year extension of the EIA statement regarding environmental impacts.

In addition to the parallel runway, the management of Václav Havel Airport in Prague is also preparing other major projects that could cost up to 27 billion crowns. Among the largest proposed projects is the expansion of Terminal 2, where new aircraft parking positions with jet bridges are to be created, among other things. The terminal currently operates flights to Schengen countries, while Terminal 1 is designated for other flights. After the expansion, both terminals will be divided according to carriers.