It was a single-engine biplane type A14 of the then Czechoslovak Airlines, which was a modified version of the German Brandenburg CI aircraft developed during World War I. Its maximum speed was 170 km/h. The wings and fuselage were made of wood and covered with fabric. The aircraft weighed barely 933 kg and had an open cockpit with two seats in tandem – one for the pilot and one for the passenger.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary, Košice Airport organized a gala evening at the National Theatre Košice for the community of partners and supporters, during which four individuals were honored for their lifetime contributions to the development of the airport. We are very pleased to have been able to symbolically thank longtime airport director Marta Horváthová, journalist and photographer Radomír Mlynek, President Rudolf Schuster, and Milan Polášek in memoriam, longtime CSA representative in Košice.
Košice Airport also published a representative book, “A Century in the Sky of Košice,” which chronicles the history of local aviation from its beginnings to the present day. The publication will be available to the public at the Regional Information Point. In connection with the round anniversary, a special postage stamp was also issued.
Thomas Dworschak, Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Košice Airport, commented on the anniversary: “Over the course of a hundred years, both the world in general and the world of aviation have changed enormously several times. Today is a time to pause for a moment and express our gratitude to the generations of colleagues who have written the history of Košice Airport. At the same time, we are very much looking forward to the second century, which we enter with determination to face the many challenges ahead of us. With our experienced and motivated team of employees and the support of shareholders and all partners, we want to continue to develop air connectivity throughout eastern Slovakia from Vyšné Nemecké to the High Tatras and Liptov, and constantly improve the quality of services as the airport of the first choice for our passengers.”
Košice Airport plays a crucial role in the local economy, serving as a vital gateway for tourism, business, and family connections. The airport not only facilitates tourism, attracting visitors to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Eastern Slovakia, but also supports the local economy by providing jobs and fostering economic development. The accessibility of the region through air travel is a significant factor in attracting investors and business opportunities to the region, enhancing the economic landscape and creating a more prosperous future for the local community.
Furthermore, Košice Airport serves as a crucial link for families and friends, enabling locals to visit loved ones and maintain personal connections that might otherwise be difficult due to geographic distances. The convenience of air travel encourages the influx of tourists and business travelers alike, boosting local businesses and contributing to a vibrant, dynamic community.
In addition to the major anniversary, Košice Airport can also boast new air connections this year: On March 27, 2024, a Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A220 landed in Košice for the first time on the anticipated Košice-Zurich route. The only direct air connection between Slovakia and Switzerland offers travelers new flight options to many destinations within the SWISS network. Long-haul destinations that are easily accessible with a convenient transfer in Zurich include Tel Aviv, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, Montreal, New York, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Among European destinations, flights to Milan, Stockholm, Geneva, Venice, Malaga, and Valencia will be very easy to transfer to in Zurich. Tickets are available for sale on swiss.com.
The first Ryanair flight on the seasonal regular route to Zadar, Croatia, departed on June 2. The first flight from Košice to Zadar carried 179 passengers (99% occupancy). The only scheduled air connection between Slovakia and Croatia offers travelers a unique opportunity to swap lengthy car journeys for a quick and comfortable flight. Flights will operate twice a week, every Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon, using an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180 seats.
The centennial celebration of Košice Airport not only marks a historic milestone but also underscores its significant role in the region’s socio-economic development. As we honor the past, we are equally committed to forging a bright and promising future, ensuring that Košice Airport remains a cornerstone of connectivity, growth, and prosperity for generations to come.
Letisko Košice - Airport Košice, a.s.
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