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Prague 6 is calling for a complete ban on night flights at Václav Havel Airport, arguing that residents should have the right to uninterrupted sleep.
The district wants to gradually reduce air traffic during nighttime hours, with a full restriction planned no later than 2032.
The airport currently plans to limit night operations to 48 flights per night under its voluntary declaration. However, Prague 6 officials say the number is still too high and want stricter measures.
“Our goal is to ensure that residents of Prague 6 can enjoy peaceful and undisturbed sleep, which is a basic condition for a healthy and fulfilling life in our district,” said Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek (ODS).
The district council is seeking a complete ban on flights between midnight and 5:30 a.m. by 2032. According to officials, the measure would significantly reduce noise exposure and improve the quality of life for people living near the airport.
The district plans to negotiate the proposal with Air Traffic Control, the national Slot Coordination Office, and the Ministries of Transport and Finance. A special working group is expected to be created to discuss possible solutions.
Prague 6 wants the number of night flights to decrease by at least 20 percent every year starting in 2027. Under this plan, nighttime operations would gradually disappear by 2032, except in emergency situations or other extraordinary cases.
However, Prague Airport has previously said that a complete shutdown of night operations is currently not possible due to capacity reasons. Similar restrictions are already in place at some European airports, including those in Frankfurt and Vienna.
Airport says it has already reduced noise impact
Prague Airport says it has already taken several steps to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities.
According to its environmental declaration, annual traffic has fallen from around 178,000 flights in 2008 to approximately 140,000 flights in 2025, mainly due to the increased use of larger aircraft. The airport has also restricted access for noisier aircraft categories during nighttime hours and currently coordinates only 48 flights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Runway closure has increased noise complaints
The debate over aircraft noise has intensified after the main runway at Václav Havel Airport was temporarily closed for construction and technical upgrades. The closure, scheduled until mid-August, has forced aircraft to use the secondary runway.
As a result, flight paths have shifted over different parts of Prague, including densely populated areas. Many residents have complained about increased aircraft noise.
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