The South Bohemian region is planning to launch a tender to modernize and expand the airport outside České Budějovice. Costs are expected to total CZK 500m. The region wants an international airport in České Budějovice that would be able to serve 80,000 passengers annually. This would be similar to the passenger volume at the Karlovy Vary airport and half of what the Pardubice airport reports annually.
The České Budějovice airport spokeswoman Martina Vodičková told e15 that management hopes the airport will be able to handle charter flights to holiday destinations around Europe as well as regular connections to some of the larger international airports in the vicinity. The project includes a new terminal and dispatch hall. The region wanted to invest CZK 1bn into the airport but has failed to secure EU funding or a strategic partner. Construction is scheduled to start in July, with completion expected in 2017.
