STARLUX Picks Prague for First Europe Service from Taipei

TAIPEI — Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines (JX) will enter Europe for the first time with a new nonstop route between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG), launching on August 1, 2026. The carrier will begin with three round-trip flights per week, before increasing to four weekly flights from October.

Prague Airport says the service will be operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft in a four-cabin configuration—First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy totaling 306 seats. The airport estimates the new link could carry more than 95,000 passengers in both directions during its first year.

The published schedule shows flights departing Taipei at 00:10 and arriving in Prague at 07:50, with the return leaving Prague at 10:20 and arriving back in Taipei at 05:10 the following day. According to Czech airport and Taiwanese media reports, Prague departures are planned for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the initial phase.

STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai framed Prague as a natural fit given strong Taiwanese interest in the destination and expanding semiconductor-sector ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. The airline also emphasized Taipei’s role as a connecting hub, positioning the new PRG service to feed onward links across Asia through JX’s network.

The move follows JX’s stated 2026 growth plan, which includes its first entry into the European market with two destinations. The airline has also been rolling out additional long-haul capability, recently debuting Taiwan’s first Airbus A350-1000 at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, which is part of a wider fleet expansion aimed at supporting more long-range routes.

China Airlines (CI) already serves the Taipei–Prague market, underscoring that the route can sustain Far East demand—Prague is widely viewed as a high-interest leisure destination for Asian travelers. And it’s not just Taiwan: Korean Air (KE) has operated service to Prague for years, pointing to a long-established vacation and VFR pull from Northeast Asia into the Czech capital.

STARLUX’s Prague decision looks like a “smart-first” Europe play—opening a long-haul flagship route where premium positioning can stand out, competitive pressure is more manageable than Europe’s most slot-constrained hubs, and corporate demand can be supported by real trade and high-tech ties. 

If loads and yields hold, Prague also becomes a practical proof point for JX’s broader Europe ambition, setting the stage for the carrier’s second planned European destination.