Prague is gearing up for an unprecedented winter of tourism. Václav-Havel airport is strengthening its international network and attracting new carriers, transforming the Czech capital into an increasingly popular hub for European and international travelers. For French travellers seeking urban escapades or connections to the South, this repositioning will change travel opportunities and itinerary choices for the 2025-2026 season.
Prague: a redesigned, fast-growing winter network
According to Flywest, Václav-Havel Airport's offer is increasing significantly for winter 2025-2026. The airport will offer a record network of 127 destinations operated by 66 companieswith a significant increase in capacity and number of flights. This dynamic growth is due to the arrival of new long-haul routes and the extension of medium-haul schedules, in response to a tourist demand that is now less seasonal.
What's new for French passengers?
The season adds direct services and increased frequencies to a number of French and European cities, facilitating winter getaways. The new rotations allow travelers from France to choose between short cultural stays in Prague and connecting flights to sunny or distant destinations. For the French regions, the improved connections represent an opportunity for tour operators and independent travelers looking for smoother, more competitive itineraries.
Diversified connections: from skiing to the tropics
The winter program combines seasonal routes to winter sports destinations and flights to long-haul leisure markets. According to Flywest, the offer includes 15 new routes and the arrival of several new carriers on the Czech platform. This diversity expands the range of choices for passengers, from ski trips in Central Europe to short-stopover seaside holidays.
Smartwings and key players: who's driving growth?
Smartwings' role is central to this growth. The Czech airline is increasing its capacity by adding significant seats for the winter season, making its direct European routes denser and strengthening its positioning on high-demand corridors. In addition, international airlines complete the long-haul offer and connections.
Impact on European hubs and connectivity
The rise of Prague is reshaping certain European flows: the Czech capital is now positioned as an alternative to the hubs of Vienna and Budapest for medium-haul and leisure connections. Increased frequencies to hubs such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Dubai are improving cross-border connectivity and offering more competitive connecting opportunities for passengers from France.
Tourist and economic impact: Prague all year round
The strengthening of the winter network reflects a change in the tourism market. Prague is no longer just a summer or spring destination; it is becoming a structured winter destination, capable of welcoming several million passengers over the cold season. This development benefits local players: hotels, restaurants, museums and transport services are seeing demand grow and diversify. For French tour operators and tourism professionals, this means new opportunities for packaged products targeting Christmas, winter vacations and extended weekends.
Operational and passenger consequences
For the passenger, increased capacity means more fare options, more evenly distributed travel slots and sometimes more efficient connecting times. On the other hand, this growth also demands greater attention to anticipating bookings during peak periods, and to managing ground services. Both airlines and airports will need to maintain the quality of the customer experience to turn this abundant offer into gains in satisfaction and loyalty.
Key information
Winter offer : Prague will offer approximately 127 destinations operated by 66 companies for the 2025-2026 season, according to Flywest.
New routes : The season includes 15 new lines and the arrival of additional carriers, widening access to the Middle East, Asia and long-haul leisure activities.
Capacity up : The schedule shows a significant increase in seats and number of flights, reflecting a strategy of winter extension.
Major player : Smartwings plays a structuring role by adding several seats and increasing the density of European services from Prague.
Opportunities for France : Better connections from French cities and greater potential for winter getaways, combining urban heritage with connections to sun destinations.
Travel recommendation : Book in advance during vacation peaks and compare connecting options to optimize price and travel time.
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