Karlovy Vary Airport will have new terminal buildings for 143 million

Karlovy Vary - The Karlovy Vary Region Airport in Olšové Vraty will have new check-in buildings, with construction costs exceeding 143.3 million crowns. The terminal modernization is divided into two parts. In the first part, the old check-in hall will be reconstructed to meet all conditions related to the Czech Republic's entry into the Schengen area. In the second phase, an additional hall will be added to the airport. This was stated today by Governor Josef Pavel during the official start of construction.
    The first phase of the final stage of the reconstruction and modernization of Karlovy Vary Airport will last until the end of the year and will cost around 50 million crowns. During this time, the old hall will be modified so that passengers from the Schengen area and from non-Schengen countries do not meet. For this phase, the region has received a grant of 20 million crowns from the so-called Norwegian funds. "These funds were established in 2004 and are set to provide financial assistance to ten new EU member states until 2009," said the governor.
    This phase will be very demanding in terms of ensuring airport operations, which will not be closed during this period. Passenger comfort should be reduced as little as possible, although some inconveniences will have to be endured. For example, due to the construction of new parking areas and during terrain modifications, the journey from the bus to the check-in building will be extended by 200 to 300 meters. "We have prepared enough carts to transport their luggage. This complication should not last long," said airport director Václav Černý.
    In the second phase, a new modern check-in hall will be added. It should be connected to the existing building by a connecting corridor. The new futuristic complex will evoke a metal fuselage of an airplane without wings. This part is expected to cost around 92.5 million crowns. The region intends to secure grants from European Union funds for its financing. "The contractor for the entire project is the Association of Karlovy Vary Airport - Stage III. It consists of the construction companies Stavby silnic a železnic and Průmstav Praha. The entire terminal reconstruction, including the new hall, is to be completed by October 2008 at the latest," the governor added.
    Last year, the Karlovy Vary region completed the first two phases of the airport modernization for more than 146 million crowns. Strengthening and widening the runway cost approximately 113 million crowns, and the installation of lighting signaling and security equipment around 33.3 million crowns. Of the total amount for both phases, the region received over 50 million crowns as a grant from the EU.
    The international airport in Olšové Vraty near Karlovy Vary ended last year with an operating loss of around two million crowns. The loss was mainly caused by an unplanned shutdown in the first and second quarters of the year when the airport was closed for runway modernization. However, the airport could compensate for the loss with an expected higher profit this year. "All prerequisites for this exist. Since the beginning of the year, we have already serviced 21,000 passengers. Last year it was 33,000 people for the entire year," Černý stated.