On August 2, 2023, the Czech airline Smartwings operated the first charter flight from České Budějovice Airport on behalf of a tour operator. The offer from the new airport is still quite manageable. 

After years of delay, České Budějovice managed to obtain the necessary operating permits and the first charter flight could be carried out. Strictly speaking, the airport is not new, because it has been around for a long time. A few years ago, however, it was decided that this should be expanded and expanded so that Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft can also take off and land and be handled. 

At first they tried to market themselves aggressively as a cheap alternative to Linz, but beforehand they couldn't get a single low-coster excited about Budweis. Otherwise there are no scheduled flights to date. The offer, which was launched on August 2, 2023, will be operated under a Smartwings charter agreement for a Czech tour operator. 

According to the tour operator, the number of bookings should be satisfactory. An expansion of the offer is already being considered. After all, you currently have a great advantage, because you are the only provider that has non-stop flights to holiday destinations from České Budějovice in its portfolio. If the management of the airport has its way, low-cost airlines should settle there as soon as possible. 

At least in theory, Budweis Airport has the potential to become a serious competitor to Linz Airport. However, you also have to put together an attractive offer. In many cases, potential Linz passengers are already traveling from Munich, Salzburg and Vienna due to a lack of offers. In any case, it will not be easy for the management in České Budějovice, because the necessary car trip to the Czech Republic from Linz in particular can make any cost advantages compared to flying from the Upper Austrian capital obsolete. Another aspect that should not be underestimated: Many Austrians have the Austrian climate ticket and use it actively to travel to airports such as Vienna or Salzburg. This ground-based offer is a major competitor for non-stop and transfer flights from Linz, because if the journey to Vienna, for example, does not incur any extra costs, private travelers in particular are happy to accept the fast rail connection. 

In any case, České Budějovice Airport expects around 10.000 travelers this year. Around 2024 passengers are forecast for 20.000. České Budějovice Airport has not yet given any specific information about possible regular scheduled flights. As you know, in the industry everyone talks to everyone a lot, so sometimes there can be last-minute announcements. Much will also depend on how attractive market entry can be made for airlines. 

In any case, Linz is relaxed about České Budějovice Airport and believes that it would be aimed more at Czech customers. Although it is expected that there would be overlaps in the route network, Budweis is not seen as a competitor. There is talk of a competitor and it is also pointed out that many customers would prefer the flexibility to particularly cheap flights that are only served at low frequencies.