Environment - Czech Republic
PRB monitoring
▪ The Czech Republic achieved a KEA performance of 2.48% compared to its target of 2.05% and did not contribute positively towards achieving the Union-wide target.
▪ The NSA states the main reason for not meeting the target is the severe impact of flight trajectories caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, airspace user preferences and changes in the traffic pattern over LKAA FIR (decrease of long-haul flights).
▪ Both KEP and SCR improved in comparison with 2023. Despite the KEA target being missed, the improvement in SCR shows that the Czech Republic has improved environmental efficiency of its airspace when accounting for impacts outside of its control.
▪ The share of CDO flights remained stable in 2024.
▪ Additional taxi out time decreased from 2.30 to 2.17 min/flight, while additional time in terminal airspace increased from 0.69 to 0.93 min/flight in 2024 compared to 2023.
En route performance
Horizontal flight efficiency of the actual trajectory (KEA) (KPI#1), of the last filed flight plan (KEP) (PI#1) & shortest constrained route (SCR) (PI#2)
Terminal performance
Additional taxi-out time (AXOT) (PI#3) & Arrival Sequencing and Metering Area (ASMA) time (PI#4)
Focus on ASMA & AXOT
AXOT
Additional taxi-out times at Prague decreased by 6% in 2024 (LKPR; 2019: 2.8 min/dep.; 2020: 1.36 min/dep.; 2021: 1.76 min/dep.; 2022: 1.9 min/dep.; 2023: 2.3 min/dep.; 2024: 2.17 min/dep.) and were below the SES average of 2.91 min/dep.
According to the Czech Republic’s monitoring report: There is a year-on-year improvement. No formal initiatives were implemented. The development of PI #3 is mainly influenced by the volume of traffic (gradual return of traffic after the COVID-19 pandemic). The PI monitoring is part of annual monitoring of the ANSP performance, which is provided to the CAA.
ASMA
The additional times in the terminal airspace observed a 35% increase with respect to 2023 (LKPR; 2019: 1.47 min/arr.; 2020: 0.67 min/arr.; 2021: 0.5 min/arr.; 2022: 0.69 min/arr.; 2023: 0.69 min/arr.; 2024: 0.93 min/arr.), although it was still below the SES average of 1.28 min/arr.
According to the Czech Republic’s monitoring report: No formal initiatives were implemented, but if traffic permits the aircraft are allowed for direct routing.
Share of arrivals applying continuous descent operations (CDOs) (PI#5)
Focus CDOs
The share of CDO flights decreased at Prague to 22.0% which is lower than the overall RP3 value in 2024 (29.3%).
According to the Czech Republic’s monitoring report: There is no CDO officially published procedure in FIR Prague, but if traffic permits clearance are issued in order to allow CDO.
| Airport level | |||||||||||||||
| Airport |
Additional taxi-out time (PI#3)
|
Additional ASMA time (PI#4)
|
Share of arrivals applying CDO (PI#5)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Prague/Ruzyne | 1.36 | 1.76 | 1.90 | 2.30 | 2.17 | 0.67 | 0.50 | 0.69 | 0.69 | 0.93 | 28% | 26% | 23% | 23% | 22% |
| Karlovy Vary | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 13% | 16% | 16% | 16% | 15% |
| Ostrava | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 35% | 37% | 37% | 32% | 34% |
| Brno Turany | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 39% | 37% | 35% | 33% | 32% |
Focus on Civil-Military dimension
Update on Military dimension of the plan
In 2024, military activities had a certain impact on environmental (ENV) indicators. The military assumed a leading role within the Airspace Management Cell (AMC), while Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) lacked the authority to impose any limitations on the reservation of airspace by the military within the published Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA) and Temporary Segregated Areas (TSA).
The implementation of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) concept was subject to regular evaluation through monitoring activities jointly conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and ANS CR, in close cooperation with the Military Aviation Authority (MAA). The administrators of the individual TRA/TSA, primarily the Czech Air Force, submitted monthly reports through the MAA to the CAA assessing the planning and activation of these areas. The few civil administrators provided such reports on a quarterly basis. Any identified shortcomings or inconsistencies were addressed either during the meetings of the Airspace Management Sub-Committee Group (ASMCG) or, where appropriate, directly with the relevant administrators.
Airspace Charter of the Czech Republic describes the competent authorities (CIV and MIL), their responsibilities and principles by which a joint civilian-military body (ASM Committee - ASMC) carries out strategic planning for the use of the Czech Republic airspace. The Charter incorporates as annexes the descriptions of processes used to provide high quality services to airspace users and ATS providers through safe, accurate and timely planning, approval and promulgation of national airspace management measures and international cooperation. The Airspace Charter was updated in August 2023.
The airspace of the Czech Republic is open to flights and it is divided in accordance with the rules contained in Sections 44 - 44c) of Act No. 49/1997. Pursuant to Section 44(2) of the Act, the CAA issues, in agreement with the Ministry of Defence and after consulting the Person authorized to exercise state administration in the matters related to sport flying devices, measures of general nature under the Administrative Procedure Code on division of the airspace of the Czech Republic to ensure safe conduct of flights and efficient provision of air services. In fulfilment of that mandate, the CAA takes into account, where possible, the FUA specifications described in “EUROCONTROL Specifications for the Application of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA)”. Consultation with airspace users, service providers and other relevant bodies was conducted with the aim of obtaining consensus, wherever possible, before making changes in the planning or design of airspace management. The consultations were performed in a transparent way following a predefined procedure. The ASMC ensured effective cooperation at all levels through the ASM Consultation Group (ASMCG). In application of Regulation (EC) No 2150/2005, the ASMC cooperated very closely with CAA and took into account the findings and relevant corrective measures resulting from control activities (e.g. CAA, MAA, EASA). In accordance with ICAO requirements, the CAA published the airspace management policy and implementation of new airspace structures and follow-up procedures or their changes so that all airspace users and ATS providers had sufficient time to comply with the new requirements.
Military - related measures implemented or planned to improve capacity
Dynamic Airspace Management was realized at ASM Level 2 and/or ASM Level 3. Areas published in AIP CR / MIL AIP or other pre-arranged areas were used under FUA rules as AUP manageable with UUP function updates. The ATM systems of the Czech Air Forces are directly connected to the ANS CR systems in order to present current status of reserved areas to the ATCOs. The AIM/AIS provider promulgated the planning status of the airspaces concerned in AISVIEW web tool, which serves for airspace users as an information source.
On the local level the FUA was addressed within the AMC activities, on the FAB CE level the DAM/STAM projects are in progress. The regulation 2150/2005 is fully implemented within the Czech Republic. With the objective of enhancing the application of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) concept within the Functional Airspace Block Central Europe (FAB CE) Member States, a regional initiative focusing on the harmonisation of Temporary Segregated Areas (TSA) and Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA) was undertaken. This initiative resulted in a set of final deliverables aimed at supporting regional alignment. The FAB CE TSA/TRA Harmonisation deliverables consolidate insights and recommendations derived from various EUROCONTROL guidance materials related to airspace management (ASM), the ICAO Doc 10088 Manual on Civil-Military Cooperation in Air Traffic Management, and previous FAB CE ASM-related activities. These inputs have been integrated into a unified Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the FAB CE region, which outlines recommended actions for its realisation. It has been acknowledged that a harmonised and coordinated implementation of ASM is a key enabler for improved network performance at the national, sub-regional, and regional levels. Accordingly, each participating Member State and its respective Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are encouraged to take proactive steps to achieve the operational state outlined in the CONOPS. The deliverables also include recommendations pertaining to Level 1 (strategic), Level 2 (pre-tactical), and Level 3 (tactical) ASM functions.
It was acknowledged that the overall framework and implementation of Airspace Management (ASM) remain under the sovereign responsibility of individual States, and this initiative does not seek to infringe upon or override these national prerogatives. Nevertheless, the topics addressed within this activity, along with the resulting deliverables, were unanimously endorsed by the participating States—through the FAB CE Council and the FAB CE Joint Civil-Military Airspace Coordination Committee—as well as by the National Supervisory Authorities (NSAs) via the NSA Coordination Committee and the Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) through the OPS Sub-Committee. In light of this consensus, the recommendations formulated as part of the initiative were considered applicable and relevant for implementation by all participating States and their respective ANSPs.
In response to the war in Ukraine, NATO corridors were established in 2022 to facilitate the smooth flow of military air traffic between Western and Eastern Europe. These corridors were created within the framework of airspace management (ASM) at the strategic level and were located within Class C airspace above flight level (FL) 095. Initially, the corridors were subject to management by the Airspace Management Cell (AMC). However, they were subsequently reclassified as non-AMC manageable, with their activation and deactivation being conducted at the tactical level. The use of these corridors continued throughout 2024.
At the end of 2023, the national project entitled Optimization of the Airspace Structure of the Czech Republic was launched. The project is scheduled to run from 2024 through 2028 and beyond, with the objective of enhancing the efficient use of airspace by all categories of users. The project brings together representatives from various airspace user groups—namely general aviation, commercial air transport, and military aviation—as well as air navigation service providers (ANS CR and AVA) and regulatory authorities (the Civil Aviation Authority, Military Aviation Authority, and the Ministry of Transport). This broad and structured stakeholder representation ensures a balanced approach that considers differing operational requirements and supports the efficient and safe utilization of national airspace. The active involvement of all key institutions and organizations was essential to ensure the effective, safe, and coordinated implementation of the proposed measures. In 2024, the project team was established, and an in-depth analysis was conducted to capture the visions and operational needs of each stakeholder group. In addition, international best practices were examined, and the project plan for 2025 was further refined. The project also takes into account the outcomes of harmonization efforts at the Functional Airspace Block Central Europe (FAB CE) level and at the wider European level, including the work of EUROCONTROL, EASA, and the Network Manager (NM).
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#6
Airspace Charter of the Czech Republic describes the competent authorities (CIV and MIL), their responsibilities and principles by which a joint civilian-military body (ASM Committee - ASMC) carries out strategic planning for the use of the Czech Republic airspace. The Charter incorporates as annexes the descriptions of processes used to provide high quality services to airspace users and ATS providers through safe, accurate and timely planning, approval and promulgation of national airspace management measures and international cooperation. The Airspace Charter was updated at AUG 2023.
The airspace of the Czech Republic is open to flights and it is divided in accordance with the rules contained in Sections 44 - 44c) of Act No. 49/1997. Pursuant to Section 44(2) of the Act, the CAA issues, in agreement with the Ministry of Defence and after consulting the Person authorized to exercise state administration in the matters related to sport flying devices, measures of general nature under the Administrative Procedure Code on division of the airspace of the Czech Republic to ensure safe conduct of flights and efficient provision of air services. In fulfilment of that mandate, the CAA takes into account, where possible, the FUA specifications described in “EUROCONTROL Specifications for the Application of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA)”. Consultation with airspace users, service providers and other relevant bodies is conducted with the aim of obtaining consensus, wherever possible, before making changes in the planning or design of airspace management. The consultations are performed in a transparent way following a predefined procedure. The ASMC ensures effective cooperation at all levels through the ASM Consultation Group (ASMCG). In application of Regulation (EC) No 2150/2005, the ASMC cooperates very closely with NSA and takes into account the findings and relevant corrective measures resulting from control activities (e.g. CAA, MAA, EASA). In accordance with ICAO requirements, the CAA publishes the airspace management policy and implementation of new airspace structures and follow-up procedures or their changes so that all airspace users and ATS providers have sufficient time to comply with the new requirements. Within its competencies, the ASMC supports the implementation of performance schemes. The conclusions adopted by the ASMC contributes to meeting the relevant performance targets and complying with EU-wide performance targets. The performance monitoring and the assessment and review of FUA operational performance are organised by CAA and MAA.
Dynamic Airspace Management is realized at ASM Level 2 and/or ASM Level 3. Areas published in AIP CR / MIL AIP or other pre-arranged areas can be used under FUA rules as AUP manageable with UUP function updates. FUA evaluation is performed monthly by individual TRA / TSA administrators and reported to the CAA on monthly (MAA) or quarterly basis (others). Deficiencies are addressed both within the ASMCG meetings and individually with individual administrators, if needed. CAA and MAA discuss any problems or improvements in the matter of FUA at their regular meetings.
With aim to improve FUA within the FAB CE member states an initiative concerning TSA/TRA harmonisation was conducted at FAB CE regional level with the final deliverables, which were adopted at the level of FAB CE Council. These FAB CE TSA/TRA Harmonisation deliverables consolidate findings and recommendations from various EUROCONTROL ASM related guidance materials, ICAO Doc 10088 ‘Manual on Civil-Military Coordination’, and previous FAB CE ASM related activities to a consolidated Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for FAB CE and makes recommendations to achieve this CONOPS. It was noted that a coordinated and cohesive ASM implementation is an enabler for improved network performance on national, sub-regional and regional level and each participating Member State and their ANSPs are encouraged to undertake activities to achieve the state-of-play described in the CONOPS. The deliverables contain some recommendations regarding Level 1 functions, as well as Level 2 and Level 3.
It was recognised that the overall ASM is State dependent and the purpose of this activity is not to attempt to override this Sate prerogative. However, as the topics contained in the activity and the resulting deliverables have been unanimously accepted by the participating States (via FAB CE Council and via FAB CE Joint Civil-Military Airspace Coordination Committee) and NSA (via NSA Coordination Committee) and ANSPs (via OPS SubC) the recommendations made should be considered for application by all States and ANSPs involved.
NATO corridors that were created within the framework of the ASM strategic level in the airspace of class “C” above FL 095 were at the beginning AMC manageable and later on they were handled as non AMC manageable, and their activation and deactivation is carried out at the tactical level. The corridors continued to be used in 2024.
At the very end of 2023, the national project Optimization of Airspace structure of the Czech Republic was launched, which is planned for the years 2024 - 2028 with the aim of improving the efficient use of airspace by all its users. The project includes representatives of various airspace user groups (general aviation, commercial air transport, military aviation, etc.), ANS providers (ANS CR and AVA) and regulatory authorities (CAA, MAA, MoT). This defined stakeholder representation allows for a balanced approach that takes into account the different operational needs and enables the efficient and safe use of airspace. The involvement of key institutions and organizations in the project was also necessary to prepare for an effective, safe and coordinated implementation of the proposed measures (changes). In 2024, a project team was put together and the visions and needs of each stakeholder were analysed, best practices abroad were researched and the project team’s plan for 2025 was refined. The results of the harmonization activities at FAB CE and EU level (EUROCONTROL, EASA, NM) are taken into account in this project.
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#7
There are no data available in the Czech Republic.
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#8
There are no data available in the Czech Republic.