Czech leisure carrier Smartwings has kicked off a mini-expansion from its Prague base, unveiling seven new point-to-point routes over four days centred on 23 October. The initial tranche connects the Czech capital with Barcelona, Rome-Fiumicino and Porto, each flown four-, four- and two-times weekly respectively. Bilbao and Toulouse followed on 24–25 October, while Brussels and Bucharest joined the network on 26 October.
Smartwings faces competition on six of the seven city pairs – only Toulouse is uncontested – but is banking on schedule convenience and bundled packages sold via sister company Čedok to fill seats during the low-season shoulder months. Frequencies ramp up again for the ski peak in February.
Corporate mobility managers should note that the Rome and Brussels flights depart Prague in the early morning and return in the evening, enabling same-day itineraries for EU institutions and client meetings. The Porto and Bilbao links improve access to Iberian industrial clusters where Czech automotive suppliers maintain joint ventures.
The expansion aligns with Prague Airport’s goal of spreading traffic growth across multiple carriers to avoid slot congestion. It also supports the airport’s record 127-destination winter map, reinforcing Prague’s status as a Central-European hub for SMEs that rely on point-to-point connections rather than alliance hubs.
Travel buyers should monitor introductory fares, which start below CZK 1,600 one-way, but factor in ancillary fees for cabin bags and seat selection when benchmarking against incumbent full-service rivals.
Smartwings faces competition on six of the seven city pairs – only Toulouse is uncontested – but is banking on schedule convenience and bundled packages sold via sister company Čedok to fill seats during the low-season shoulder months. Frequencies ramp up again for the ski peak in February.
Corporate mobility managers should note that the Rome and Brussels flights depart Prague in the early morning and return in the evening, enabling same-day itineraries for EU institutions and client meetings. The Porto and Bilbao links improve access to Iberian industrial clusters where Czech automotive suppliers maintain joint ventures.
The expansion aligns with Prague Airport’s goal of spreading traffic growth across multiple carriers to avoid slot congestion. It also supports the airport’s record 127-destination winter map, reinforcing Prague’s status as a Central-European hub for SMEs that rely on point-to-point connections rather than alliance hubs.
Travel buyers should monitor introductory fares, which start below CZK 1,600 one-way, but factor in ancillary fees for cabin bags and seat selection when benchmarking against incumbent full-service rivals.
