Karlovy Vary Airport to be transferred to the Czech state

The Karlovy Vary Regional Assembly has approved the transfer of Karlovy Vary Airport to the state. The facility, valued at 1.361 billion CZK, will be managed by the state-owned company LOM (Letecké opravny Malešice).

Under the agreement, the airport will serve both civilian operations and the military. The Ministry of Defence has committed to completing the airport's infrastructure, including the expansion and extension of the runway, with estimated costs of 2 billion CZK excluding VAT. Additionally, the Ministry must ensure the continued operation of civilian flights and provide air rescue services.

Regional Governor Petr Kubis noted that the transfer facilitates the return of military presence and new technologies to the region. While the agreement allows for temporary civilian flight restrictions during national security threats, the Ministry is obligated to maintain regular operations.