airBaltic Launches Direct Flights Between Prague and Vilnius, Enhancing Travel Links Between the Czech Republic and Lithuania

airBaltic, the national airline of Latvia, has officially launched a new direct route between Prague, Czech Republic, and Vilnius, Lithuania, further strengthening the air connectivity within the Baltic region and Central Europe. This new twice-weekly service—operating every Thursday and Saturday—will run through the summer season from May 22 to September 27, 2025, offering a swift and convenient flight time of just under two hours.

This move is part of airBaltic’s strategic plan to expand its Central European presence, complementing its existing Prague–Riga route. The route also supports regional mobility goals outlined by the European Commission’s Transport Strategy, which emphasizes enhanced interconnectivity between EU capitals through sustainable and modern transport solutions.

Strengthening Ties Between Two Historic European Capitals

The new route brings Prague and Vilnius closer than ever before, catering to a mix of leisure travelers, cultural tourists, and business professionals. Mantas Vrubliauskas, VP of Network Management at airBaltic, commented:

“We are excited to offer Czech travellers a direct connection to Vilnius – a vibrant and fast-developing city that combines its rich history with modernity. As one of the greenest capitals in Europe, Vilnius offers a unique mix of nature, cultural heritage, and a lively business community, making it ideal for both city breaks and business trips.”

This launch supports the tourism objectives outlined by Lithuania Travel, the country’s official tourism agency, which promotes Vilnius as a sustainable, cultural, and business-friendly destination. It also contributes to the Czech Republic’s national tourism strategy for 2023–2030, which highlights the need for improved accessibility and diversified outbound travel opportunities.

Modern Aircraft and Enhanced Passenger Experience

The flights on this new route are operated using airBaltic’s advanced Airbus A220-300 aircraft, a key part of the airline’s sustainability and modernization initiative. The A220-300 offers a next-generation flying experience with features such as:

Wider seats and larger windows
More cabin luggage space
Improved lavatories
Lower noise and emissions footprint

This aircraft is recognized by Eurocontrol and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) as a fuel-efficient model that supports Europe’s shift towards greener aviation. The route thus aligns with the EU Green Deal goal of reducing the environmental impact of transport by offering cleaner air travel options.

Additionally, airBaltic is the first European airline to equip its fleet with free high-speed SpaceX Starlink Wi-Fi, providing passengers uninterrupted connectivity throughout the flight—an innovative service enhancing productivity for business travelers and entertainment options for leisure passengers. The airline aims to equip its entire fleet with this service by the end of 2025.

Premium Services and Competitive Fares

The Prague–Vilnius service offers two travel classes: Economy Class and Business Class. Business Class passengers enjoy a full-service experience, including:

Priority check-in and boarding
A dedicated front-row seat with an adjacent free seat for privacy
Gourmet in-flight meal and premium beverage selection
Dedicated Business Class cabin crew
Expedited disembarkation upon arrival

Tickets start from €75 in Economy Class and €259 in Business Class, reflecting airBaltic’s commitment to offering value-driven travel options without compromising service quality.

The Czech Ministry of Transport and Lithuanian Civil Aviation Administration both advocate for affordable and accessible air travel as key to stimulating tourism and regional development. This route contributes directly to those national objectives.

A Strategic Expansion of airBaltic’s Route Network

This new Prague–Vilnius connection marks airBaltic’s second direct service from the Czech Republic, reinforcing its role as a major player in Central and Eastern European aviation. The airline now operates nearly 130 routes from key Baltic cities, including Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere, and offers seasonal services from Gran Canaria.

These routes facilitate connections to major destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region, supporting the EU’s broader push for multimodal regional transportation and improved internal market access, as outlined in the European Union Aviation Strategy.

Boosting Regional Tourism and Business Travel

Both the Czech Republic and Lithuania are aiming to diversify their inbound and outbound tourism markets in 2025. According to CzechTourism and Lithuania Travel, there has been a growing demand for new short-haul city-break destinations and direct business links between secondary cities in the EU.

Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is increasingly seen as a green, digital, and innovative city. In 2023, it ranked among Europe’s top 20 cities for digital nomads and start-up friendliness, thanks to its open data infrastructure and smart city initiatives. Its appeal to Czech tourists has been growing, particularly among younger and eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic, walkable destinations.

On the other side, Prague remains a magnet for Lithuanian travelers due to its architectural beauty, historical sites, and established air links with major European capitals. This route provides a faster, more direct option for travel between the two countries, fostering closer cultural and economic ties.

Encouraging Sustainable Travel Growth

Both Lithuania and the Czech Republic are signatories of the Sustainable Tourism Charter under the EU Tourism Transition Pathway, which promotes cross-border tourism that reduces environmental impact while boosting regional economies.

The Airbus A220’s reduced CO₂ emissions and lower noise levels meet the sustainability criteria set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and reflect airBaltic’s environmental strategy, which targets carbon neutrality by 2050. The introduction of this route demonstrates how airlines can grow their network responsibly while supporting government-led sustainability targets.

Timetable and Booking Details

The Prague–Vilnius route will operate twice weekly on the following schedule:

Thursdays and Saturdays
Flight time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Seasonal period: May 22 – September 27, 2025

Tickets are now available for booking on airBaltic.com and through partner travel agencies. The airline offers flexible rebooking options, aligning with customer protection policies advocated by the European Consumer Centre.

Summary: A Gateway to the Baltic from Central Europe

With the launch of this direct Prague–Vilnius connection, airBaltic continues to enhance its reputation as an airline that blends innovation, customer experience, and sustainability. The new service meets rising travel demand between Central and Eastern Europe while contributing to broader tourism, economic, and environmental goals shared by the European Commission, national governments, and regional tourism boards.

Whether for a leisurely summer city break, a cultural exploration, or a fast-track business meeting, this new route makes Vilnius more accessible to Czech travelers while providing Lithuanians with a direct gateway to one of Europe’s most beloved capital cities.

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