Smartwings Expands Prague Winter Network with New Venice and Bergen Routes for 2026/27 Season

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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June 27, 2026 13:03 GMT+5:30

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Smartwings is preparing a significant expansion of its Prague-based winter flight programme for the 2026/2027 season, introducing new direct connections to Venice in Italy and Bergen in Norway. The development is part of a wider network enhancement strategy aimed at strengthening the airline’s position in the European short-haul travel market while improving connectivity between Central Europe and key leisure destinations across the continent.

The upcoming Prague–Venice route is scheduled to commence on 22 October 2026 and will operate four times weekly, with flights planned on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Venice continues to be one of Europe’s most in-demand tourism destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year with its historic waterways, architectural landmarks, cultural institutions, and distinctive urban layout. The introduction of this service is expected to support strong demand throughout the winter season, particularly from city-break travellers seeking short-haul European escapes.

In addition to strengthening links to Southern Europe, the airline is also expanding its northern network with a new Prague–Bergen service, set to begin on 26 October 2026. Operating twice per week on Mondays and Fridays, the route will connect Prague with Norway’s second-largest city and an important entry point to the country’s western fjord region. Bergen is widely recognised for its scenic coastal landscapes, mountainous surroundings, and access to natural attractions that attract travellers interested in outdoor and nature-based tourism experiences.

Together, these two new routes highlight a growing trend in European aviation toward diversified network development, where airlines are increasingly balancing established leisure destinations with emerging or less saturated markets. This approach enables carriers to maintain stable demand throughout the year while offering passengers a wider range of direct travel options across different regions.

The expansion is also closely aligned with shifting passenger preferences, as travellers increasingly prioritise direct connections, reduced travel times, and flexible scheduling options. Short-haul European travel continues to grow, driven by demand for weekend city breaks, cultural tourism, and seasonal leisure trips. The addition of Venice and Bergen strengthens Prague’s role as a central departure point for these evolving travel patterns.

Beyond the two new destinations, Smartwings is also expanding its wider winter 2026/27 schedule with several additional developments. A new direct Prague–Lisbon service will be introduced, adding further capacity to Southern Europe and improving access to Portugal’s capital. At the same time, frequency increases are planned on several existing routes, including Porto, Bilbao, and Toulouse, each rising from two to three weekly flights to accommodate growing passenger demand and enhance timetable flexibility.

Another key adjustment in the winter programme is the extension of the Nice route into the colder months. Previously operated only during the summer season, the year-round service reflects sustained demand for travel to the French Riviera beyond traditional peak tourism periods. This change aligns with a broader industry movement toward extended seasonal operations, where airlines maximise aircraft utilisation and respond to evolving year-round travel behaviour.

In total, the airline will operate direct services from Czech airports to 41 destinations during the winter schedule. This extensive network underscores the continued importance of Prague as a major European aviation hub, particularly within the leisure travel segment. The airport’s central location and strong inbound tourism appeal make it a strategic base for connecting multiple regions across Europe.

The wider group also continues to operate across Central Europe, with services in Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary contributing to a diversified operational structure. This multi-base strategy enables better distribution of aircraft capacity and allows the airline to respond more effectively to seasonal fluctuations in demand. The current fleet of 49 aircraft supports both scheduled and broader network operations across the region.

Strategically, the addition of Venice and Bergen reinforces a dual-direction growth approach, combining high-demand Southern European leisure destinations with Nordic regions known for nature-focused tourism. This balanced expansion helps strengthen the airline’s market position while offering passengers access to a wider variety of travel experiences from a single departure hub.

The winter 2026/27 programme reflects ongoing transformation in European aviation, where competition increasingly centres on direct connectivity, network flexibility, and destination diversity. Airlines are placing greater emphasis on point-to-point services that cater to evolving passenger expectations, particularly in the short-haul leisure segment.

With new routes, expanded frequencies, and seasonal extensions, Smartwings is positioning its Prague operations for continued growth while reinforcing its role in connecting Central Europe with both Mediterranean and Northern European travel markets.