Žilina seeks to re-open air link to Czech Republic

Žilina Airport is trying to re-open the air connection to Prague that was cancelled three years ago, the Pravda daily reported on Tuesday. Discussions are underway with Czech Airlines (CSA), which operated the connection for seven years, but was cancelled when demand dropped. Presently, Slovakia's north-west is without a regular air link to European destinations. However, nothing has been decided yet, according to the airport company and the airline, which both confirmed that negotiations are taking place. "Czech Airlines are continuously analysing the possibilities of renewing the connection or opening a regular operation into various destinations in Europe", said CSA spokesman Daniel Šabík. Žilina Airport has a shorter runway - 1,150 metres - which is only suitable for specific types of aircraft. "Due to the parameters of the airport it is only possible to consider flying with turbojet airplanes, for example ATR aeroplanes, as the elongating of the runway or other changes to infrastructure are not yet planned", said Martin Hromádka from Žilina Airport Company. CSA flew ATR planes to Žilina, with the aircraft's capacity being 46 seats. Between 2005-2012, the Prague-Žilina-Prague link was in operation six days a week, but by the end of operation it came down to two times a week, due to the lack of interest from customers. Hromádka explained that the airport is used for charter flights and for air training at the moment. "We are also working on other options, such as connecting Žilina Airport to other European destinations", said Hromádka.