Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has unveiled plans to almost double its capacity by 2035.
It says it will invest 27 billion Czech Koruna (£900m/$1.1bn) on various projects it has divided into short, medium and long term, eventually allowing it to accommodate more than 30 million passengers a year.
The international airport is currently nearing full capacity and handled 16.8 million passengers in 2018.
“Short-term” developments include a new centralised security checkpoint with automated security lines, two large-capacity luggage carousels, new parking garages at Terminal 2 with electric car charging stations, a three-storey Skywalk connecting buildings and a new plaza in front of Terminal 2, with public spaces and greenery.
A reconfigured aircraft stand in Terminal 1 will allow one wide-body aircraft or two narrow-bodies to be serviced, and will be equipped with a jet bridge with three departure gates.
Work on a new runway should begin in 2025, three years later than previously planned, according to Radio Prague International. It should be in operation from 2028.
The airport says it will be used “primarily for the landing of aircraft”.
It will also add taxiways connecting the northern and southern parts of the airport and other infrastructure upgrades.
Eventually Terminal 2 will be extended, with new piers, departure gates and bridges.
Passengers will also be able to enter both terminals through one centralised security checkpoint where Terminal 2 currently is.
It says its aim is to be the “first choice airport for travellers in the catchment area of the Czech Republic, southern Poland and the Czech-Saxon border region, and to be a preferred transfer hub as well.”
It wants new regular connections, particularly increasing the number of long-haul destinations in Asia and North America and extending existing seasonal connections to New York, Philadelphia and Toronto to year-round service.
It also plans to use land around the airport for facilities like a hotel, development centre, sports centre and medical centre for tourists, as well as a railway station.
