The Poprad-Tatry Airport reported 25,520 passengers in the first five months of this year, which represents approximately a 33 percent increase compared with the same period in 2006. This increased number of passengers is ascribed first of all to regular flights, of which seat capacity usage has improved, frequency of scheduled flights from Poprad to London increased, and new daily flights to Prague were launched. Another factor is the higher number of passengers traveling on charter flights during the winter ski season from Kiev, Moscow, and Tallinn. The airport also posted an increase in general aviation services, such as aerotaxi and private flights, said the Poprad-Tatry, a.s. airport director, Peter Polerecky, for SITA news agency.
The Poprad Airport has been experiencing a considerable increase in its number of passengers in recent years. In 2006, the airport transported 41,412 people, which represented more than a 100 percent increase compared with 2005, when the airport reported 18,553 passengers. This may be attributed to regular flights from Poprad to London, introduced in December 2005. This year, a new regular service, Poprad -- Sliac -- Prague, was opened. Mr. Polerecky expects the airport to serve 55,000 to 60,000 passengers this year. The airport's economic results have also improved, as it earned a profit of approximately SKK 1.5 million last year.
At present, the airport's management is negotiating to broaden its offer of services from Poprad. One of the possible destinations could be Dublin, Ireland. "That is one possibility," Mr. Polerecky confirmed. The director estimates that the airport could serve as many as 100,000 passengers next year.
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