<p>The Prague airport will build two parking garages, adding 1000 spaces.</p>

Prague - Prague Airport will build two new parking garages near Terminal 2, which will increase the current parking capacity by approximately 1,000 spaces. Along with them, the space in front of the terminal will also change. The total costs of the project could amount to around 2.2 billion crowns. This was announced today by the airport spokesman Roman Pacvoň. Currently, the airport offers approximately 4,000 spaces for long-term parking and additional spaces for express parking.

By constructing new parking spaces, the airport is responding primarily to the growing number of passengers. Last year, nearly 16.8 million passengers were handled, which is nine percent more year-on-year. In addition, the airport expects further growth in the long term, which also requires more space for cars.

The new parking garages, with a total capacity of 2,000 spaces, will be built on part of the existing parking areas, where there are currently around 1,000 parking spaces. The existing PA Smart parking garage will be demolished, and the PB Economy outdoor parking will be halted. The airport intends to initiate zoning proceedings later this year. Construction of the first building is expected to begin in 2021 and should last approximately two years. The start of work on the second building will depend on the planned expansion of Terminal 2.

In connection with the construction, the airport organized an architectural competition, which was won by the studio D3A led by architects Tomáš Prouza, Jaroslav Zima, and others, according to whose design the entire project should be built. "In selecting the winner, the jury appreciated particularly the well-thought-out and professionally presented design, from the integration of the buildings into the urban concept, through detail of the wayfinding system, to the concept of placing artworks," stated Pacvoň.

A smaller-scale investment in parking is planned by the airport to be realized during this year as well. At the end of this year, for example, they want to launch a new parking system, add space occupancy detection, navigation elements, or expand some spots from 2.4 meters to 2.65 meters.

Due to the increasing traffic, the airport is planning several other projects that should further increase current capacity. This year, for example, the opening of a new check-in counter at Terminal 1 and a new check-in island at Terminal 2 are planned. The reconstruction of the aircraft stands at Pier B should also be completed, and two departure lounges will be modernized. The reconstruction of the baggage sorting area should also begin. In the coming years, the airport's capacities are expected to be primarily increased by the construction of a new parallel runway, which is set to begin in four years, and by the expansion of Terminal 2.