Prague Unveils Ambitious Plan for Floating Heliport on the Vltava River!
A new heliport designed to float will soon be constructed on the Vltava River as part of Prague’s initiative to enhance emergency medical services between various hospitals in the city.
This facility received approval from the City Council earlier this week and will be situated near the Rašín Embankment in the Podskalí district of Prague 2, just below the historic Vyšehrad.
It will be utilized by important institutions, such as the General University Hospital (VFN), the Institute for Mother and Child Care located in Podolí, and the Apolinář Maternity Hospital.
With an estimated budget of CZK 39.7 million (excluding VAT), this project will be funded by the city and will be awarded through a public bidding process. Construction is expected to commence in July 2025, with an anticipated completion date in mid-2026. The General University Hospital will oversee the operation of the facility.
“As a city, we lack the expertise to manage its operations, which is why we have collaborated with the hospital,” explained City Councilor Zdeněk Kovářík (ODS).
The floating heliport will cover an area of 20 by 20 meters and will be anchored on unsinkable concrete pontoons. It will be equipped with features like a wind direction indicator, railings, electrical systems, a detachable access bridge, and navigational aids. Only helicopters weighing under nine tons will be permitted to land, and the facility will exclusively serve emergency services—private and commercial flights will not be permitted.
In addition to routine medical transportation, the heliport will be prepared for mass casualty incidents, terrorist attacks, or other large-scale emergencies. “It will provide an essential platform for specialized rescue teams,” said Deputy Mayor Alexandra Udženija (ODS).
The idea for the heliport was initially introduced during the last election term by former Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), originally proposed with a budget of CZK 10 million. However, costs have since skyrocketed, more than quintupled, although city officials assert that the investment is warranted.
“It’s about time that we move beyond mere promises and kick off the construction,” stated Ondřej Prokop, head of Prague ANO and chair of the city’s oversight committee.
Plans to establish a fixed heliport directly on the hospital premises were abandoned due to spatial constraints and the presence of protected monuments in the vicinity. The floating platform is anticipated to continue operations for up to 20 years.
Once operational, the heliport is expected to significantly cut down emergency response times and enhance access to critical care for patients throughout Prague.
