Czech Republic: Number of Passengers at Prague Airport, by year
YearNo of passengers,
in millions
202313.8
202210.7
20214.4
20203.6
201917.8
201816.8
201715.4
201613.1
201512.0
201411.1
201311.0
  • Region: Czechia
  • Time period: 2013 to 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

COVID-19 Impact on Air Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on air travel, with Prague Airport experiencing a dramatic decrease in passenger numbers. The number of passengers dropped from 17.8 million in 2019 to 3.6 million in 2020, marking a decline of over 79%. The slow recovery is evident as passenger numbers gradually increased to 4.4 million in 2021 and 10.7 million in 2022, still below pre-pandemic levels.

Recovery Trajectory Post-Pandemic

Prague Airport's recovery from the pandemic's effects showcases a positive trend. After hitting the lowest point in 2020, passenger numbers rose by 22% in 2021 and then saw a more robust growth of 143% in 2022, finally reaching 13.8 million in 2023. Despite this growth, the 2023 figure still falls short of the pre-pandemic peak by approximately 22%.

Pre-Pandemic Growth Trends

Before the pandemic, Prague Airport was on a steady growth trajectory. From 2013 to 2019, the airport saw an increase in passenger numbers from 11.0 million to 17.8 million, averaging an annual growth rate of approximately 8.2%. This period marked consistent year-on-year growth, underscoring the airport's expanding role in European air travel.

Analysis of Yearly Growth Rates

The year with the highest growth rate post-2010 was 2017, with passenger numbers rising from 13.1 million in 2016 to 15.4 million, a growth of about 17.6%. This indicates that 2017 was a particularly strong year for travel, possibly due to expanded airline services or increased tourism in Prague.

Post-Pandemic Recovery Speed

Comparing the recovery speeds post-2020, the airport saw a gradual recovery in 2021 with a modest increase, but 2022 marked a significant acceleration in passenger traffic recovery. The jump from 4.4 million passengers in 2021 to 10.7 million in 2022 demonstrates a strong rebound, albeit with ongoing recovery challenges reflected in the 2023 figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the passenger numbers of Prague Airport?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused Prague Airport to experience a drastic reduction in passenger numbers, declining from 17.8 million in 2019 to 3.6 million in 2020, a fall of over 79%.

How has Prague Airport's recovery trajectory been post-pandemic?

Post-pandemic, Prague Airport has shown a promising recovery with passenger numbers increasing by 22% in 2021 and 143% in 2022, but the 2023 figure of 13.8 million passengers is still about 22% below the pre-pandemic peak.

What was the growth trend at Prague Airport before the pandemic?

Before the pandemic, Prague Airport was experiencing steady growth, with passenger numbers increasing from 11.0 million in 2013 to 17.8 million in 2019, achieving an average annual growth rate of approximately 8.2%.

Terms and Definitions

Prague Airport, officially known as Václav Havel Airport Prague, is the international airport serving the city of Prague. As the largest airport in the Czech Republic, it operates numerous domestic and international flights, making it a central figure in Czech and European aviation.

Refers to the total count of individuals who have used a particular service, such as a flight, over a specified period. This count includes all people who have boarded and disembarked a flight, regardless of their final destination.

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Individuals who travel in some type of carrier, in this case, an airplane. In an airport context, passengers are people who are either departing from or arriving at the airport, or transiting through it.

A passenger traveling within the same country. In this context, someone traveling from or to a different city within the Czech Republic through the Prague airport.

A passenger traveling from or to a different country. In this context, someone traveling from or to a foreign country via Prague Airport.

These are passengers who arrive and depart on the same aircraft with no legal entry into the country of the transit airport. In this context, a passenger who lands at Prague Airport only to change flights without leaving the airport precincts.
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