Romanian-based airline AnimaWings has announced the expansion of its scheduled route network with a new connection between the capitals of Romania and the Czech Republic. The direct route between Bucharest and Prague is set to launch at the beginning of the 2025/26 winter schedule, on October 5th. This represents an important step in the carrier’s further expansion into the European market. At the same time, it is welcome news for Prague Airport, which gains another international partner during a period of increasing demand for air travel. The flights will be operated using older Airbus A320 aircraft or the fuel-efficient and quiet Airbus A220. The flight time between the two cities is expected to be approximately one hour and 55 minutes. According to the airline’s plans and social media announcements, the route will be served three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). The flight from Bucharest (OTP) will land in Prague (PRG) at approximately 11:30, with the return flight to its home base departing around 12:15 local time.
AnimaWings, founded in 2019, initially focused on charter flights in cooperation with Romanian travel agencies. In recent years, however, the company has been expanding its presence in the scheduled passenger segment, offering flights to destinations such as Paris, Stockholm, Ibiza, and Heraklion. Its main base is at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, and it has recently also started operations from Timișoara. The majority owner is the Memento Group, a travel conglomerate that also includes the well-known agency Christian Tour. According to its website, the airline operates two A320 aircraft in a 180-seat configuration. Two other aircraft, Airbus A220s, feature a layout of 137 Economy Class and 12 Business Class seats; for this type, the airline promises greater comfort than that offered by other carriers. The airline also plans to expand its fleet with four more A220s. Basic return fares, excluding checked baggage, are priced up to 3,000 Czech koruna (approximately €120).
The new route to Prague reflects the growing interest in direct connections between Central and Southeastern Europe. It is expected to attract not only tourists but also business travellers, students, and members of the Romanian community in the Czech Republic. At the same time, it will provide travellers from the Czech Republic with an easier way to discover Romania—a country known for its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and affordable prices. For Václav Havel Airport Prague, the new service is another step towards expanding its offerings and strengthening its competitiveness. If the route proves successful, the airline has not ruled out increasing flight frequencies or adding more destinations. Travellers from the Czech Republic can soon look forward to convenient flights directly to the land of Count Dracula.
Sources: AnimaWings, AI, Zaleť si
