Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) is continuing its push into Central/Eastern Europe with the proposed opening of its 84th base - Prague Václav Havel in the Czech Republic - later this winter. Using two B737-800s, the Irish LCC will expand its current Prague route network from the current Brussels Charleroi, Dublin International, and London Stansted, to include Milan Bergamo and Rome Ciampino effective October 30.

“We are pleased to announce our first Czech base at Prague (No.84) from October 30 with two based aircraft, (an investment of USD200 million) and two new routes to Milan and Rome, which will deliver 625,000 customers p.a. and support 470 jobs at Prague Airport," Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kenneth Jacobs, said. "This growth is an integral part of our continued expansion plans for both the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe, as we connect Prague with Europe’s key centres of business with high frequency business-friendly services, including a double daily service to London and a daily route to Dublin, making Ryanair the ideal choice for both business and leisure customers."

The Czech capital is already a major destination for rival easyJet (London Luton) which currently commands 7.98% of the airport's weekly capacity serving Amsterdam Schiphol, Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, CH, Bristol International, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Milan Malpensa, Naples Capodichino, Paris CDG, and Venice Marco Polo.