The Largest Transport Construction of Its Time
Construction of what was then Terminal North 2 began in 2003 and represented the largest transport project in the Czech Republic of its era. Three years later, a modern departure hall opened to passengers, featuring the new Pier C, a connecting corridor between terminals, and an elevated roadway connecting the terminal to the parking garage. The project also included an automated baggage sorting system, connected to Terminal 1 via an underground tunnel. At the time of its commissioning, this technology was cutting-edge and continues to ensure efficient and secure baggage handling today.
Celebrations as a Thank You to Passengers
The airport is marking the anniversary primarily as a gesture towards the public. “We wanted to mark the anniversary of Terminal 2 primarily as a thank you to passengers. We have therefore prepared a special program that will allow them to look behind the scenes at the airport and recall the story of this exceptional place,” said Eva Krejčí, Director of Communications and Marketing at Prague Airport.
On the anniversary day – January 17th – special public tours will take place, including a visit to the automated baggage sorting facility. A thematic exhibition mapping the past and future of Terminal 2 has also been launched in the connecting corridor between terminals and will run until the end of February. Passengers will also receive symbolic gingerbread cookies as a small gift.
The Heart of Schengen Operations
The main reason for the construction of Terminal 2 was the need to increase the airport’s capacity and to separate Schengen and non-Schengen operations after the Czech Republic’s entry into the Schengen Area. From its opening, the terminal set high standards in terms of comfort, safety and architectural design.
Today, Terminal 2 is the main hub for Schengen traffic at Prague Airport. Thousands of passengers pass through it daily, heading to European destinations. It combines a clear operational layout, modern technology and timeless architecture, which remains a striking feature of the complex even after twenty years.
Transformations over Two Decades
Over the past twenty years, Terminal 2 has undergone several significant changes. In 2018, the central security checkpoint was relocated, as its original layout was no longer sufficient to meet capacity demands. A year later, state-of-the-art CT scanners were installed, speeding up and streamlining the security process.
Another significant innovation in 2020 was the commissioning of the fourth check-in island, where passengers now use self-service baggage drop-off counters, which significantly increases the smoothness of the check-in process.
Modernization on the Horizon
Prague Airport is planning a major modernization of Terminal 2, which should transform it into one of the most modern air hubs in Europe. The project includes the construction of a new Pier D, a direct connection to the railway station, and the creation of new business lounges, hotel and conference facilities. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability, energy efficiency and the use of the latest technologies.
Terminal 2 in Numbers
In the twenty years since its opening, a total of 141,344,290 passengers have passed through Terminal 2. On its first day of operation, it served 3,445 people. The busiest day was September 14, 2025, when 42,571 passengers passed through the terminal. The record year was 2025, with 10,662,878 passengers handled.
The departure hall measures 57 × 130 meters, the steel arch trusses reach a height of up to 24 meters, the total enclosed space is almost 900,000 m³ and the floor area exceeds 117,000 m².
Source of article and all photos: Prague Airport
