Prague Airport Awards Best Airlines in 2021

Following the example of other international air hubs, Prague Airport has decided to award the best airlines of the past year. In the first year of the contest, airlines were evaluated in two categories.

The domestic airline Smartwings won the title of the fastest-growing carrier at Václav Havel Airport Prague, while Belgian Brussels Airlines became the most efficient carrier in terms of traffic at Prague-Ruzyně airport.

“We drew inspiration from the international context, where the recognition of airlines is a standard procedure performed by airports towards their partners. After a difficult Covid period, we would like to appreciate those who have contributed the most to the resumption and recovery of our operations. At the same time, we want to motivate carriers to pursue further development at Václav Havel Airport Prague,”Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, said.

The award recognizing the largest year-on-year increase in passenger numbers is presented to the air carrier that achieved the highest year-on-year increase in the total number of passengers transported compared to the previous calendar year, i.e., compared to 2020. For the year 2021, the award goes to Smartwings.

The title of the most efficient carrier in terms of traffic, Best Performing Airline at Prague Airport 2021, factors in the key operational indicators, alongside the volume performance of carriers. Only carriers that completed at least 100 aircraft movements from July to December last year are evaluated. This corresponds to traffic of about two flights per week. For the year 2021, the award goes to Brussels Airlines.

In 2022, performance in two more categories will be evaluated. The green carrier, i.e., Top Sustainable Airline, will comprise three criteria: noise and emissions of aircraft operated at Prague Airport, alongside the overall approach, commitments, and activities of airlines in the field of sustainability.

The second added title, Best Airline Marketing Campaign with Prague Airport, will be awarded to the carrier best using the marketing support in cooperation with Prague Airport. The results of all four categories will be announced in 2023.