Taiwan’s premium carrier STARLUX Airlines has touched down in Central Europe, inaugurating a non-stop service between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG) on 1 August 2026. The tri-weekly route marks the airline’s maiden foray into the European market and gives the Czech capital its first direct connection to Taiwan—a long-sought link for the rapidly expanding semiconductor, electronics, and tourism flows between East Asia and Central Europe. Initially operated by a 306-seat Airbus A350-900, the service will upgrade to the larger A350-1000 from 1 September, boosting capacity to 350 seats across four cabin classes (First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy). Frequency will also rise to four flights per week in October, positioning Prague as STARLUX’s European springboard for further expansion to destinations such as Munich and Milan now under evaluation. For corporate travel managers, the connection reduces journey times between Taiwan and the Czech Republic from roughly 16–18 hours (with transfers) to under 12 hours, making same-week board meetings and factory visits far more feasible. Beyond convenience, the route is designed with sustainability in mind. In line with the EU’s upcoming ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, every departure from Prague will include a 2 percent blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied in partnership with Taiwanese energy firms. The move dovetails with Prague Airport’s own “Ready for the Future” modernization plan and the Czech government’s 2030 climate roadmap, signalling that long-haul expansion can proceed without derailing decarbonisation goals. Tourism stakeholders are equally buoyant. CzechTourism expects the number of Taiwanese arrivals—already rebounding to 72 percent of pre-pandemic levels—to grow by at least 40 percent in 2027 thanks to the direct link. Conversely, the Czech travel agency association (ACK ČR) forecasts that outbound Czech leisure traffic to Taiwan, as well as onward connections to Japan, the Philippines, and Australia via Taipei, could double within two years. STARLUX is sweetening the launch with introductory round-trip fares starting at CZK 21,000 and exclusive La Mer amenity kits for premium-class passengers during August. For global-mobility and relocation teams, the new connection simplifies site visits for Taiwanese investors in the Czech semiconductor corridor stretching from Prague to Pardubice, and gives Czech multinationals a seamless gateway into Asia-Pacific supply chains. Immigration advisers also note that the direct flight should speed up work-permit logistics for employee-card holders shuttling between the two countries, eliminating the need for Schengen layovers that previously complicated 90-/180-day stay calculations.
