Prague Airport’s Main Runway to Close for Major Upgrade

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is preparing for a major infrastructure overhaul, with its main runway set to close for four and a half months starting today, March 31.

The extensive renovation will divert air traffic to the airport’s secondary runway, leading to increased flights over densely populated areas, including Prague, Kladno, and parts of Central Bohemia.

The maintenance project includes 15 construction and technological upgrades, focusing on taxiway repairs and sewer system reconstruction. Airport officials stress that the proximity of these works to the main runway makes regular flight operations impossible during this period.

Eva Krejčí, the airport’s Communications and Marketing Director, explained that the closure was scheduled during a time of minimal fog to mitigate disruptions, as the secondary runway lacks equipment for low-visibility conditions.

While the main runway itself was fully reconstructed in 2012-2013 and does not require renovation, the surrounding infrastructure work will continue until 2026.

Looking further ahead, the airport remains committed to its long-planned parallel runway project, an initiative first proposed in the 1960s. With environmental impact approvals in place and legal hurdles cleared, construction is expected to begin after 2030.

The expansion plan has stirred debate among local authorities. Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek (ODS) has urged an accelerated timeline for the parallel runway to prevent future disruptions.

However, officials from Suchdol and Nebušice remain opposed, citing concerns over increased air traffic and noise pollution.

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