A new floating heliport will soon rise on the Vltava River, part of Prague’s plan to boost emergency medical response across several city hospitals.

Approved this week by the City Council, the facility will be located near the Rašín Embankment in the Podskalí area of Prague 2, just below Vyšehrad.

The heliport will serve key institutions including the General University Hospital (VFN), the Institute for Mother and Child Care in Podolí, and the Apolinář Maternity Hospital.

Estimated at CZK 39.7 million (excluding VAT), the project will be city-funded and awarded through a public tender. Construction is set to begin in July 2025, with completion expected in mid-2026. The facility will be operated by the General University Hospital.

“We as a city would not have the competence to manage the operation, so we reached an agreement with the hospital,” said City Councilor Zdeněk Kovářík (ODS).

The floating heliport will measure 20 by 20 meters and rest on unsinkable concrete pontoons. Features will include a wind direction indicator, railings, electrical systems, a detachable access bridge, and navigation aids. It will be limited to helicopters under nine tons and restricted to emergency services only—no private or commercial flights will be allowed.

In addition to routine medical transport, the heliport will be ready for mass casualty events, terrorist incidents, or other large-scale emergencies. “It will serve as a vital platform for specialized rescue units,” said Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija (ODS).

Originally proposed during the previous election period by former Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), the heliport was initially budgeted at CZK 10 million. The cost has since more than quintupled, but city officials maintain the investment is justified.

“It’s high time that instead of more promises, construction finally begins,” said Ondřej Prokop, head of Prague ANO and chair of the city’s control committee.

Plans to build a fixed heliport directly on the hospital grounds were scrapped due to spatial limitations and protected monuments in the area. The floating platform is expected to remain in use for up to 20 years.

Once operational, the heliport is expected to significantly reduce emergency response times and improve access to critical care for patients across Prague.

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