Czech news in brief for March 1: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has called the National Security Council for 7 a.m. Monday to discuss the Middle East crisis, its impact on Czechia, and options for repatriating citizens. Deputy PM Karel Havlíček said the council will also consider security at domestic facilities and energy prices. Former PM Petr Fiala supported the meeting, emphasizing protection at home and assistance for Czechs abroad. Israel and US attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes have raised regional tensions.

Václav Havel Airport in Prague cancelled 32 flights to Middle Eastern destinations today due to regional airspace closures following Israeli and US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks. Airlines including Qatar Airways and Emirates have left check-in counters open for passenger updates. The closures affect thousands of Czechs in the region, particularly in Dubai, and may disrupt connections through the UAE and Qatar. Passengers are advised to follow airline instructions.

The Czech Republic has prepared repatriation flights for citizens in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists) said on Czech TV. Two Airbus and eight CASA planes are available. Around 3,500 Czechs are registered in the UAE, with hundreds in Jordan and Israel, and smaller numbers in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The ministry is coordinating with Slovakia and airlines to transport people safely. No immediate danger has been reported.

Analysts report that strong wage growth continued in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the national average likely surpassing CZK 50,000. Real wages also rose faster than inflation. Sectoral differences persist, with services seeing faster growth than industry. The median wage is estimated at CZK 43,000–45,000. Analysts expect wage increases to continue in 2026, but at a slower pace. The Czech Statistical Office will publish official data on Friday.

A survey by Kantar CZ for Czech Television shows 69 percent of Czech residents believe Ukrainian refugees have integrated successfully, unchanged from April 2023. About 24 percent disagree. Fifty-four percent support continued military aid to Ukraine. Positive experiences with Ukrainians are reported by 35 percent of respondents, while 30 percent feel neutral.