Ruzyne International Airport
Encyclopedia
Prague Ruzyně International Airport ' onMouseout='HidePop("56871")' href="/topics/Prague">Prague
, Czech Republic
. Located 10 kilometres (6 mi) west of the city centre, the airport is a hub for Czech Airlines
. It was opened on 5 April 1937. Prague-Ruzyně is the biggest airport in the Czech Republic, and with 11.6 million passengers in 2009, the busiest one within the new EU member states. It was named the best airport in Central and Eastern Europe by Skytrax
in 2005 and 2007.
The airport contains two runway
s in service: 06/24 and 13/31. Former runway 04/22 is not used any more. The most used runway is 24 due to the prevailing western winds. Runway 31 is also used often. Runway 06 is used rarely, while runway 13 is used only exceptionally.
Public transport to and from Prague city centre involves taking the bus
number 119 to Dejvická
metro station, and transferring on to the green metro line (Line A) or tram there, bus
number 100 to Zličín
metro station (yellow Line B), or number 179 to Nové Butovice
station. A typical trip takes about 40 minutes. After midnight when the metro is closed, night bus number 510 runs from the airport, offering 4 transfer points to centre-bound trams en-route.
Since 14 December 2008, the bus line AE (Airport Express) also provides nonstop service between Terminals 1 and 2, and the Prague Main railway station
every day from 05:00 to 22:00 H, leaving every half hour.
Czechoslovakia
belonged, and Czech Republic
belongs, to the leading European pioneers of the civil aviation, and became over time a part of the most state-of-the-art continental transportation system. The Prague–Ruzyně Airport began operation on 5 April 1937, but Czechoslovak civil aviation history started at the military airport in Prague–Kbely in 1919. At Kbely Airport is now placed Prague Aviation Museum
. Due to insufficient capacity of the Kbely airport in the middle of the 1930s, the Government decided to develop a new State Civil Airport in Ruzyně. One of the major awards the Prague Ruzyně Airport received include Diploma and Gold Medal granted in 1937 at the occasion of the International Art and Technical Exhibition in Paris
(Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne also known as Paris 1937 World's Fair) for the technical conception of the central airport, primarily the architecture of check-in building (nowadays known as Terminal 4) designed by architect Ing. A. Beneš. Other awards were granted for modernization during individual airport development phases. All these facts have been increasing the interest of carriers in using Prague airport. In one of the most dramatic moments in its history, the airport was seized by Soviet paratroopers on the night of August 20–21, 1968, who then facilitated the landing of Soviet troops and transports for the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
The airport has excellent location both with respect to short distance from the centre of Prague and within the European area. Moreover, the Ruzyně fields provide opportunities for further expansion of the airport according to the increasing capacity demand. The airport serves as a hub of the trans-European airport network.
The political and economic changes affected the seventy years of existence of the Prague-Ruzyně Airport. Some new air transportation companies and institutions were founded and some ceased operation since then. Ten entities were responsible for airport administration over time, including the new construction and development. Until the 1990s, there were two or three decade gaps before the major modernization of the Prague-Ruzyně Airport began in order to match the current capacity requirements. Since then, the Airport began modernisation on an ongoing basis and is gradually one of the top European airports.
The airport was used in the James Bond film, Casino Royale
. The airport, along with Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600, depicts a scene that actually takes place in the film at Miami International Airport.
5–7 billion was scheduled to begin in 2007, and the new runway marked 06R/24L (also called the BIS runway) is to be put into service in 2010. However, because of plenty of legal problems and protests of people who live close to the airport premises, the construction has not yet begun. Despite these problems, the project has support from the government, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
animation of the new runway and more info.
It will be over 3500 metres (11,483 ft) long. Located about 1500 metres (4,921 ft) south-east of the present main runway, the 24L runway will be equipped with a category III ILS
, allowing landing and taking off under bad weather conditions.
Prague Airport states that besides increasing the airport capacity, the new runway system will greatly reduce the noise level in some densely inhabited areas of Prague. This should be achieved by reorganising the air traffic space around the airport, and shifting the traffic corridors after putting the two parallel runways into service. The vision of heavy traffic raised many protests from the suburban communities directly surrounding the airport. On 6 November 2004, local referenda
were held in two Prague suburbs – Nebušice
and Přední Kopanina
– giving official support to the local authorities for active opposition against the construction of the parallel runway.
The construction of a railway connection between the airport and Prague city centre is also in the planning stage. According to the most recent plans, the construction should begin in 2011, and the operations should commence in 2014. The track will be served by express trains with special fares, connecting non-stop the airport with the city centre, and local trains fully integrated into Prague integrated transit system.
See the airport railway project description in Czech at www.praha-kladno.cz or Wikipedia article.
Ruzyně Airport has two main passenger terminals, two general aviation terminals, as well as a cargo facility.
Taxi fares are regulated by the Prague City Council http://www.praha.eu/jnp/cz/home/doprava_v_praze/taxisluzba/index.html. No taxi should charge more than CZK 40 per ride plus CZK 28 per km. Taxi meter should be turned on and print a receipt.
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
, Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
. Located 10 kilometres (6 mi) west of the city centre, the airport is a hub for Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines j.s.c. , trading as Czech Airlines , is the national airline of the Czech Republic and temporary in Slovakia with its head office on the grounds of Ruzyně Airport in Ruzyně, Prague...
. It was opened on 5 April 1937. Prague-Ruzyně is the biggest airport in the Czech Republic, and with 11.6 million passengers in 2009, the busiest one within the new EU member states. It was named the best airport in Central and Eastern Europe by Skytrax
Skytrax
Skytrax is a United Kingdom-based consultancy, the public face of Inflight Research Services, which has the largest airline and airport review and ranking site. It conducts research for commercial airlines...
in 2005 and 2007.
Ruzyně today
Most flights depart Ruzyně Airport from the North Terminals (Terminal 1 and 2). The South Terminals (Terminal 3 and 4) handle a few irregular flights, as well as VIP flights, special flights and small aircraft.The airport contains two runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
s in service: 06/24 and 13/31. Former runway 04/22 is not used any more. The most used runway is 24 due to the prevailing western winds. Runway 31 is also used often. Runway 06 is used rarely, while runway 13 is used only exceptionally.
Public transport to and from Prague city centre involves taking the bus
Buses in Prague
The bus service in Prague is provided by several transport operators, chiefly by Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy, a.s....
number 119 to Dejvická
Dejvická
Dejvická is a Prague Metro station and terminus of Line A. It lies at the western end of the main boulevard Evropská Třída, and is served by buses which run to Ruzyně International Airport. The station was opened on 12 August 1978 as a part of the line. It was formerly known as Leninova after...
metro station, and transferring on to the green metro line (Line A) or tram there, bus
Buses in Prague
The bus service in Prague is provided by several transport operators, chiefly by Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy, a.s....
number 100 to Zličín
Zlicín (Prague metro)
Zličín is a Prague Metro station and terminus of Line B. Zličín metro station gives direct pedestrian access to the 2004 constructed Metropolis shopping mall, and has zero-fare bus links to the nearby Globus, Tesco and Ikea hypermarkets....
metro station (yellow Line B), or number 179 to Nové Butovice
Nové Butovice
Nové Butovice is a Prague Metro station on Line B.- External links :*...
station. A typical trip takes about 40 minutes. After midnight when the metro is closed, night bus number 510 runs from the airport, offering 4 transfer points to centre-bound trams en-route.
Since 14 December 2008, the bus line AE (Airport Express) also provides nonstop service between Terminals 1 and 2, and the Prague Main railway station
Praha hlavní nádraží
Praha hlavní nádraží is the largest and most important railway station in Prague in the Czech Republic. It was originally opened in 1871 and named Franz Joseph I after Franz Joseph I of Austria. During the First Republic and from 1945 to 1953 the station was called Wilson station after former...
every day from 05:00 to 22:00 H, leaving every half hour.
History
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
belonged, and Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
belongs, to the leading European pioneers of the civil aviation, and became over time a part of the most state-of-the-art continental transportation system. The Prague–Ruzyně Airport began operation on 5 April 1937, but Czechoslovak civil aviation history started at the military airport in Prague–Kbely in 1919. At Kbely Airport is now placed Prague Aviation Museum
Prague Aviation Museum, Kbely
Prague Aviation Museum, Kbely is a major aviation museum located at Prague's original airport at Kbely, north-east of the town centre near Route 10 .-History of Kbely Airfield:...
. Due to insufficient capacity of the Kbely airport in the middle of the 1930s, the Government decided to develop a new State Civil Airport in Ruzyně. One of the major awards the Prague Ruzyně Airport received include Diploma and Gold Medal granted in 1937 at the occasion of the International Art and Technical Exhibition in Paris
Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne (1937)
The Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne was held from May 25 to November 25, 1937 in Paris, France...
(Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne also known as Paris 1937 World's Fair) for the technical conception of the central airport, primarily the architecture of check-in building (nowadays known as Terminal 4) designed by architect Ing. A. Beneš. Other awards were granted for modernization during individual airport development phases. All these facts have been increasing the interest of carriers in using Prague airport. In one of the most dramatic moments in its history, the airport was seized by Soviet paratroopers on the night of August 20–21, 1968, who then facilitated the landing of Soviet troops and transports for the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
The airport has excellent location both with respect to short distance from the centre of Prague and within the European area. Moreover, the Ruzyně fields provide opportunities for further expansion of the airport according to the increasing capacity demand. The airport serves as a hub of the trans-European airport network.
The political and economic changes affected the seventy years of existence of the Prague-Ruzyně Airport. Some new air transportation companies and institutions were founded and some ceased operation since then. Ten entities were responsible for airport administration over time, including the new construction and development. Until the 1990s, there were two or three decade gaps before the major modernization of the Prague-Ruzyně Airport began in order to match the current capacity requirements. Since then, the Airport began modernisation on an ongoing basis and is gradually one of the top European airports.
The airport was used in the James Bond film, Casino Royale
Casino Royale (2006 film)
Casino Royale is the twenty-first film in the James Bond film series and the first to star Daniel Craig as fictional MI6 agent James Bond...
. The airport, along with Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600, depicts a scene that actually takes place in the film at Miami International Airport.
Further development
As the capacity of the airport has been reaching its limit for the last couple of years (as of 2005), further development of the airport is being considered. Besides regular repairs of the existing runways, Prague Airport began the preparations for building a new runway, parallel to the 06/24 runway. The construction with estimated costs of CZKCzech koruna
The Czech koruna or Czech crown has been the currency of the Czech Republic since 8 February 1993 when, together with its Slovak counterpart, it replaced the Czechoslovak koruna at par....
5–7 billion was scheduled to begin in 2007, and the new runway marked 06R/24L (also called the BIS runway) is to be put into service in 2010. However, because of plenty of legal problems and protests of people who live close to the airport premises, the construction has not yet begun. Despite these problems, the project has support from the government, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
animation of the new runway and more info.
It will be over 3500 metres (11,483 ft) long. Located about 1500 metres (4,921 ft) south-east of the present main runway, the 24L runway will be equipped with a category III ILS
Instrument Landing System
An instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
, allowing landing and taking off under bad weather conditions.
Prague Airport states that besides increasing the airport capacity, the new runway system will greatly reduce the noise level in some densely inhabited areas of Prague. This should be achieved by reorganising the air traffic space around the airport, and shifting the traffic corridors after putting the two parallel runways into service. The vision of heavy traffic raised many protests from the suburban communities directly surrounding the airport. On 6 November 2004, local referenda
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
were held in two Prague suburbs – Nebušice
Nebušice
Nebusice is a quarter in Prague 6. It is situated on the northwest from the city center. It is connected with the city center by four bus lines, 161, 254, 312 and 116....
and Přední Kopanina
Prední Kopanina
Přední Kopanina is a suburb of Prague, Czech Republic. It is located 10 km northwest of city centre in vicinity of Ruzyně International Airport and has a population of 667 . First time mentioned in 1285 it was incorporated as a municipal district of Prague in 1974...
– giving official support to the local authorities for active opposition against the construction of the parallel runway.
The construction of a railway connection between the airport and Prague city centre is also in the planning stage. According to the most recent plans, the construction should begin in 2011, and the operations should commence in 2014. The track will be served by express trains with special fares, connecting non-stop the airport with the city centre, and local trains fully integrated into Prague integrated transit system.
See the airport railway project description in Czech at www.praha-kladno.cz or Wikipedia article.
Terminals
- Terminal 1: is used for flights outside the Schengen area; it was opened in 1997
- Terminal 2: is used for flights within the Schengen area; it was opened on 17 January 2006
- Terminal 3: is used for private and charter flights; it was opened in 1997
- Terminal 4: is used exclusively for VIP flights and state visits; it is the oldest part of the airport which was opened on 5 April 1937
- Cargo Terminal 1: operated by Menzies Aviation Czech; for freight flights only
- Cargo Terminal 2: operated by Skyport; for freight flights only
Airlines and destinations
Charter flights
Cargo airlines
Traffic and statistics
In 2004, the airport served 9.7 million passengers; in 2005 nearly 10.8 million; and 11.6 million in 2006. In 2007 the number of passengers rose to 12,440,000 and in 2008 reached 12,630,557. In 2009 the number decreased to 11,643,366, and only 143,060 were domestic passengers. It was the 32nd busiest airport in Europe in 2009. The top 10 destinations were:| Rank | Airport | Passengers handled |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris-Charles de Gaulle | 550,902 |
| 2 | London-Heathrow | 430,453 |
| 3 | Frankfurt Frankfurt Airport Frankfurt Airport may refer to:Airports of Frankfurt, Germany:*Frankfurt Airport , the largest airport in Germany*Frankfurt Egelsbach Airport, a general aviation airport*Frankfurt-Hahn Airport , a converted U.S... |
415,630 |
| 4 | Moscow-Sheremetyevo International Sheremetyevo International Airport Sheremetyevo International Airport , is an international airport located in the Moscow Oblast, Russia, north-west of central Moscow. It is a hub for the passenger operations of the Russian international airline Aeroflot, and one of the three major airports serving Moscow along with Domodedovo... |
404,024 |
| 5 | Amsterdam Schiphol | 374,220 |
| 6 | Madrid-Barajas | 300,432 |
| 7 | Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci | 290,972 |
| 8 | Brussels Brussels Airport Brussels Airport is an international airport northeast of Brussels, Belgium. The airport is partially in Zaventem and partially in the Diegem area of Machelen, both located in the Flemish Region of Belgium.Brussels Airport currently consists of 54 contact gates, and a total of 109 gates... |
265,756 |
| 9 | Zürich | 249,963 |
| 10 | Barcelona | 245,423 |
Incidents
- On 30 October 1975, an Inex Adria Aviopromet Douglas DC-9-32 hit high ground during an approach in fog to Prague Ruzyně Airport. 75 of the 120 passengers and crew on board were killed.
Public Transport
- Buses of Prague Public Transit Co. stop at both terminals every 10 minutes. A 90 min. ticket can be bought for CZK 32 at the arrival hall (CZK 40 from the bus driver).
- 119 – terminates in 24 minutes at the DejvickáDejvickáDejvická is a Prague Metro station and terminus of Line A. It lies at the western end of the main boulevard Evropská Třída, and is served by buses which run to Ruzyně International Airport. The station was opened on 12 August 1978 as a part of the line. It was formerly known as Leninova after...
station. Transfer to Metro line ALine A (Prague Metro)Line A is a line of the Prague Metro, serving the Czech Republic capital. Chronologically the second line in the system, it was first opened in 1978 and has expanded mostly during the 1980s...
to get to the centre. The ticket is valid on the Metro too. - 100 – terminates in 18 minutes at the ZličínZlicín (Prague metro)Zličín is a Prague Metro station and terminus of Line B. Zličín metro station gives direct pedestrian access to the 2004 constructed Metropolis shopping mall, and has zero-fare bus links to the nearby Globus, Tesco and Ikea hypermarkets....
station. Transfer to Metro line BLine B (Prague Metro)Line B is a line on Prague Metro. Chronologically the third to open, it was first opened in 1985 and continued to expand in the 1990s. Currently it is the longest line in the network with 24 stations and of track.-History:-External links:...
to get to the centre. The ticket is valid on the Metro too. - 179, 225 – terminate in 45–53 minutes at the Nové ButoviceNové ButoviceNové Butovice is a Prague Metro station on Line B.- External links :*...
station. Probably of no use for a tourist. - 510 – a night service every 30 minutes. Goes to the south of the city, but passes near the centre ("Jiráskovo náměstí" or I. P. PavlovaI. P. PavlovaI. P. Pavlova is a Prague Metro station on Line C. It was opened on 9 May 1974. Above the station is I. P. Pavlov Square , which is named after Russian physiologist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov. Both the station and the square are shortened by locals to Pavlák or Ípák...
stops) which takes 42 minutes.
- 119 – terminates in 24 minutes at the Dejvická
- A Czech Railways public bus service, AE – AiportExpress, connects Terminals 1 and 2 with Praha hlavní nádražíPraha hlavní nádražíPraha hlavní nádraží is the largest and most important railway station in Prague in the Czech Republic. It was originally opened in 1871 and named Franz Joseph I after Franz Joseph I of Austria. During the First Republic and from 1945 to 1953 the station was called Wilson station after former...
every 30 minutes. The journey takes 40 to 50 minutes.
- Other buses
- Some local buses from Prague to KladnoKladnoKladno is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 km northwest of Prague. Kladno is the largest city of the region and holds a population together with its adjacent suburban areas of more than 110,000 people...
stop at Terminal 1. - Student Agency buses link Terminal 1 with Karlovy VaryKarlovy VaryKarlovy Vary is a spa city situated in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá, approximately west of Prague . It is named after King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded the city in 1370...
.
- Some local buses from Prague to Kladno
Taxis
There are two taxi companies officially authorized at the airport http://www.prg.aero/en/parking-transport/transport/official-taxi/. Both Radiocab taxi and AAA RADIOTAXI should take you to the city centre for around CZK 500.Taxi fares are regulated by the Prague City Council http://www.praha.eu/jnp/cz/home/doprava_v_praze/taxisluzba/index.html. No taxi should charge more than CZK 40 per ride plus CZK 28 per km. Taxi meter should be turned on and print a receipt.
Other information
Ruzyně Airport took part in the Onion News (comedy internet news magazine) with the episode dedicated to Franz Kafka. The Airport was renamed to Franz Kafka International Airport in it with funny scenes imitating Kafka's famous novels.See also
External links
- Ruzyně Airport – official homepage
- Prague Airport – Photogallery
- Prague Airport – Airport maps
- Architects' page about the building of the North Terminal 2
- Information about Ruzyně Airport
- Air Services Authorities (ŘLP) – website about Prague-Ruzyně Airport
- Onion News – Onion News report featuring Prague Airport.