While Prague remains the primary gateway for Czech travelers, regional airports are experiencing unprecedented growth in passenger numbers, supported by government subsidies. The trend is particularly notable in Ostrava, where the Leoš Janáček Airport achieved a record-breaking 493,000 passengers last year, marking a 44% increase – more than double Prague’s growth rate.
Brno-Tuřany Airport leads among regional hubs, serving 749,000 passengers last year with a 10% increase. The airport is expanding its reach with new routes to Rome and Málaga, though some routes receive public support – Ryanair will receive approximately €150,000 annually for operating the Málaga route.
Pardubice Airport has shown remarkable progress with a 63% increase, handling over 200,000 passengers. Despite a planned three-month closure for runway repairs this spring, the airport will resume full operations in June, including a new Ryanair route to Mallorca.
The newest player, České Budějovice Airport, has seen explosive growth in just its third year of public operations, processing 55,000 passengers last summer season – a 5.5-fold increase from the previous year. The airport is currently expanding its facilities to handle multiple aircraft simultaneously.
While these regional airports receive various forms of government support, they’re becoming increasingly popular due to their accessibility, convenient parking, and quick check-in processes.