Czechia gets new direct link to US with launch of Prague-Philadelphia flights

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport will see the return of direct flights to Philadelphia next week, as American Airlines resumes its Prague–US service after a seven-year break. The seasonal route, operated daily from May 22, restores a previously discontinued transatlantic connection that was last flown before the pandemic.

For Czech-based travelers, the comeback of the Prague–Philadelphia link reopens a major gateway to the U.S., with onward connections across North America. The return also marks another step in the rebuilding of long-haul capacity from Prague following years of post-pandemic restructuring.

American Airlines last operated direct flights between Prague and Philadelphia in 2018 and 2019 before suspending the route due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a shortage of long-haul aircraft. The carrier had previously used Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft on the route, with expansion plans to Chicago that ultimately did not materialize.

The airline will now return with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating the route as a seasonal service between May 21 and Oct. 5, with daily flights during the summer schedule.

The Prague–Philadelphia connection becomes only the second direct North American route from Prague, alongside Delta Air Lines’ service to New York.

Flights from Prague are scheduled to depart at 10:15 a.m., arriving in Philadelphia at 1:05 p.m. local time. The return service departs Philadelphia at 6 p.m. and arrives in Prague at 8:15 a.m. the following morning.

Philadelphia International Airport serves as one of American Airlines’ key East Coast hubs, offering one-stop connections to more than 100 destinations across the United States, including Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Airport officials have described the restoration of the route as a milestone in Prague’s long-haul development strategy.

"A direct connection between Prague and Philadelphia was one of our priorities," Jiří Pos, chairman of the Prague Airport board, said when resumption of the route was confirmed last year.

"We are very pleased with the successful partnership with American Airlines, which was also created thanks to the coordinated support and cooperation with our partners. The route represents one of the milestones in our strategy of developing long-haul routes and strengthening direct connections between the Czech Republic and North America."

The return of American Airlines to Prague is part of a broader European expansion by the carrier. Alongside Prague, the airline is also adding new transatlantic routes from cities including Dallas, Miami, and Philadelphia to additional European destinations such as Athens, Zurich, Milan, and Budapest.

Prague Airport is also expanding its offerings for the summer season, with new routes to Ibiza, Brindisi, Bodrum, Chisinau, Newcastle, and other destinations slated to launch in June.