airBaltic Launches New Direct Flights Between Vilnius and Prague, Boosting Central European Connectivity, Promoting Tourism, and Accelerating Business Growth Across Europe

Monday, May 26, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania

In May 2025, the Latvian airline airBaltic launched a new direct flight route connecting Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic. The move was strategically timed to boost both tourism and business travel by offering a more efficient connection between the Baltic region and Central Europe. This new service, which started on May 22, 2025, operates twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, until September 27, 2025. Each flight takes approximately two hours, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers.

Strengthening the Baltic Region’s Connectivity

For over 20 years, Vilnius has been a key base for airBaltic, and the airline has long been dedicated to enhancing travel options from Lithuania. The addition of the Vilnius–Prague route underscores this commitment. By opening up this new direct service, airBaltic is tapping into an underserved market, benefiting around 20,000 passengers annually who previously had to rely on connecting flights. This development is expected to cater to both business professionals and leisure travelers, facilitating easier movement between the two cities. Moreover, it will play a significant role in boosting tourism and further driving economic growth in both Lithuania and the wider Baltic region.

This new route is especially noteworthy as it adds a second connection between the Czech Republic and airBaltic’s growing network. The airline already operates direct flights between Riga, its base in Latvia, and Prague, providing travelers with more options when flying between these countries.

Enhancing Travel Choices for All

During the summer season, which runs from late March to late October, airBaltic will operate 16 direct routes from Vilnius to destinations across Europe and beyond. Besides the new Vilnius–Prague service, the airline also continues to serve other European hubs like Amsterdam, Riga, and more from Vilnius. airBaltic’s extensive network makes it an appealing choice for both leisure tourists and those traveling for business.

The airline offers both Economy and Business Class on the Vilnius–Prague flights, catering to different passenger needs. For Business Class travelers, airBaltic ensures a premium experience, with benefits such as priority check-in, front-of-cabin seating for added comfort and privacy, gourmet meals, and a fine selection of beverages. The airline’s exceptional level of service is reflected in the dedicated cabin crew for Business Class, who are committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable flight.

A Modern Fleet for Maximum Comfort

One of the standout features of airBaltic’s operations is its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft, one of the most modern and fuel-efficient plane types in operation today. With 50 of these aircraft currently in use, airBaltic has plans to expand this fleet over the next few years. The A220-300 offers a superior travel experience, including wider seats, larger windows, additional cabin luggage space, and improved restrooms. These enhancements provide a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience for all passengers.

In addition, airBaltic is also leading the way in onboard technology. It has become the first European airline to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet, a service that will eventually be available on the entire fleet. This cutting-edge service ensures that passengers, whether traveling for business or leisure, can stay connected throughout the flight.

Impressive Growth and Operational Reliability

In April 2025, airBaltic carried 410,138 passengers, marking a 12% increase over the previous year. The airline operated 3,958 flights during this period, reflecting a 5% growth in the number of flights compared to April 2024. This growth in demand is further evidenced by an impressive 77.8% load factor, signaling an increasing number of travelers choosing airBaltic for their journeys. The airline’s flight regularity also stands out, with an impressive 99.6% reliability rate, further cementing its reputation for operational excellence.

Earlier in the year, airBaltic saw solid growth in passenger numbers, carrying 378,228 passengers in March 2025, representing a 5% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2025, the airline recorded a 7.4% increase in passengers, carrying a total of 994,987 travelers. This marks the highest number of passengers the airline has ever carried in the first three months of the year, reflecting strong demand for its services.

Expanding the Network to Meet Growing Demand

To meet the increasing demand, airBaltic is enhancing its summer schedule for 2025. The airline will increase the number of flights on 14 existing routes across the Baltic states. Additionally, airBaltic is introducing several new direct flights, including services from Tallinn, Estonia, to Reykjavík (Iceland), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), and Tirana (Albania). The launch of direct flights from Vilnius to Prague and Tirana will also give passengers more flexibility and easier access to these destinations. Furthermore, airBaltic is extending its seasonal service between Vilnius and Dusseldorf, Germany, catering to the growing demand for travel between Lithuania and Germany.

A Positive Shift for the Travel Industry

The launch of the Vilnius–Prague route is a significant step for airBaltic in terms of broadening its market reach and further establishing itself as a key player in the Baltic aviation market. For travelers, this new connection means greater convenience and more direct access to Prague from Vilnius. The route is expected to benefit both tourism and business sectors in both cities, providing travelers with more options and boosting local economies.

As international travel continues to recover and grow, airBaltic’s expansion is ideally positioned to meet the rising demand for air travel across the Baltic region and beyond. The increased frequency of existing routes, along with the introduction of new direct services, is set to improve the overall travel experience, enhance regional connectivity, and support the broader growth of tourism and business exchanges in Lithuania, Czech Republic, and neighboring countries. airBaltic’s efforts are contributing to a more interconnected Europe, fostering greater collaboration and opportunity in both the travel and business sectors.