CSA Czech Airlines
The Czech Republic’s historic flag carrier, known for linking Prague with major European cities and selected long-haul markets during its scheduled-service era.
About CSA Czech Airlines
Czech Airlines, widely known by its CSA abbreviation and OK airline code, was founded in 1923 as Czechoslovak State Airlines. It became the flag carrier of the Czech Republic following the division of Czechoslovakia. In its later years, the airline was closely integrated with Czech aviation group Smartwings, which became its majority owner. Czech Airlines ended its own scheduled flight operations in October 2024, although its brand and code have remained relevant within the wider Smartwings business.
Prague was Czech Airlines’ principal hub and the centre of a network covering 53 destinations in 33 countries across 136 routes. Its services primarily connected the Czech capital with European business and leisure markets, including Amsterdam, Geneva, Madrid and Paris. Other notable departure points included Karlovy Vary, Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Baku, while the wider network also featured Minsk, Nizhniy Novgorod and Samara. The airline’s longest route linked Seoul with Prague, covering about 8,238 km nonstop.
Across its operating history, Czech Airlines used a varied fleet suited to regional, European and long-haul flying. Recorded aircraft included ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops; Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 family jets; Boeing 737-500 and 737-800 aircraft; and Embraer ERJ-190 and Fokker 70 regional jets. Boeing 747-400 and 767 types also appeared in its historical fleet record. Depending on the route and period, passengers could book Economy Class or Business Class, with service levels varying by aircraft and flight length.
Czech Airlines joined SkyTeam in 2001 and participated in the alliance until 2024, giving passengers access to connections and reciprocal benefits across a broad international network. Its loyalty programme was OK Plus, through which members could historically earn and redeem miles with Czech Airlines and participating partners. Travellers should verify the present status of any former miles, benefits or partner privileges directly before booking, as the end of Czech Airlines’ own scheduled operations changed how the brand and its legacy arrangements function.
The airline’s traditional strength was its conveniently located Prague hub, which supported straightforward connections between Central Europe and numerous European capitals. Its long history also made the CSA name one of the most recognisable Czech aviation brands. The principal challenge for travellers is that older schedules, reviews and policy pages may no longer reflect a currently operated Czech Airlines flight. Tickets displaying an OK code may involve Smartwings or another operating carrier, so passengers should check the operating airline, aircraft, baggage conditions and service inclusions on the booking confirmation.
Good to know
Flying with CSA Czech Airlines — what to expect
Check Operating Carrier
Czech Airlines ended its own scheduled operations in October 2024. Check the operating-carrier field carefully because an itinerary carrying the OK code may be flown by Smartwings or another airline.
Confirm Baggage Rules
Baggage allowances depend on the fare and operating carrier rather than the historic Czech Airlines brand alone. Review both cabin and checked-baggage terms on the final booking confirmation.
Prague Connections
Prague was the airline’s main hub and remains the most important airport associated with its network. Allow sufficient connection time and confirm whether bags will be checked through when separate carriers or tickets are involved.
Cabin Expectations
Historic services offered Economy and Business Class, but the cabin product varied by route and aircraft. For a current codeshare or partner-operated flight, rely on the operating airline’s seat map and service description.
Loyalty Programme Status
OK Plus was Czech Airlines’ frequent-flyer programme during its operating era. Former members should verify directly whether any account balance, status benefit or redemption option remains available.
Network overview
Where CSA Czech Airlines flies
CSA Czech Airlines operates 136 routes to 53 destinations across 33 countries, its longest sector reaching Seoul to Prague (8,238 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities CSA Czech Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Seoul → Prague
8,238 km · ICN → PRG
The longest sector in the CSA Czech Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by CSA Czech Airlines
Notable destinations on CSA Czech Airlines's network.
OKPraguedirectOKKarlovy VarydirectOKMoscowdirectOKSaint PetersburgdirectOKBakudirectOKAmsterdamdirectOKGenevadirectOKMadriddirectOKMinskdirectOKNizhniy NovgoroddirectOKParisdirectOKSamaradirectDestination list is indicative of CSA Czech Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of CSA Czech Airlines
TripAdvisor · 2020–2023- 52
- 41
- 32
- 24
- 141
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Cancelling Flights and Not Giving Money Back
I had only the worst experience with this airline. First, my flight was delayed overnight due to technical reasons (as announced at the airport), but when repeatedly applying for the compensation on their website, no-one reacted. Second, my flight was… See more cancelled and I was offered a voucher instead. The voucher was supposed to be valid for a year for all their flights, after this year, I could receive money back if I did not use the voucher. I did not use the voucher, so in a year, I asked for money back. They told me that the rules changed, and I could only use the voucher within the next 6 months for another flight. I booked a flight, the flight was cancelled, no other flight could be booked before the voucher expiration date, and I never got the money back.
See lessPosted May 2023 by marketaciharova, Prague
reorganization/bankrupcy scam!
I bought 4 tickets to Zakynthos , rebooked them 2 times with extra costs from my side (although there was stated that ''no rebooking fees'' will aply) and after that, I aplied for a voucher. I received the voucher and they went bankrupt. I couldn't use the… See more voucher because they suspended all the flights from Copenhagen and in order to get a full refund, I had to fill in a form to the czech court (everything was in czech language. No notification or any information that they went banckrupt! nothing.. I lost 2000 euros with these scumbags. never fly with them again!
See lessPosted May 2023 by Sergiu, Bronshoej
You can't do worse
I bought 3 business class tickets. CSA canceled the flight and did not refund the money. The excuse was that the times were bad.
Posted April 2023 by Michal M
Terrible airline
Beware! This airline simply robbs people. I bought a ticket to travel back in 2020. Then covid happened and the nightmare started. Zero info about refund. Finally I was told on some forum that I need to submit info to court since they go through insolvency.… See more Did that and no success either. Eventually I received a voucher from company stating that if I don't use it I can get a refund. Airline keeps flying but none of the destinations worked for me. Before the year passed I started contacting them. Total of 4 emails and zero response. Then ultimately all I wanted was refund and last night I managed to get through via phone. Airline told me that I lost everything because they are officially now gone through insolvency so that voucher they gave me till Feb 2023 anyway was not working since October 2022... seriously. They still fly and sell tickets but millions of people who bought tickets around 2020 mark get nothing. Also I asked why was I not informed. As a company that provides service, takes money but does not actually give the service they should at least contact people. Lady on the phone told me that too many people to contact and that we should go on their website... seriously I simply feel robbed
See lessPosted April 2023 by Anna Budner-Mahon
Cancelled my flight and did not refund
Czech Airlines canceled my trip in 2020 due to the Covid. I struggled a lot and I finally got vouchers. I booked new trip and at the last moment they again canceled my flight without any particular reason. I just asked for a refund for the vouchers and for… See more some unclear reasons they denied my request!
See lessPosted January 2023 by Milad M
Very poor airline that does not seem to get better
Paid for two tickets from Prague Czech Republic to Helsinki Finland. Getting close to my travel date and Czech Airlines cancels the flight. This has happened many times including earlier this year. I have tried to use this airline many times over the years and… See more more often than not have had flight delayed or cancelled. the issue is with living in Czech and Czech Airlines being the regional carrier. Otherwise I would not use them at all.
See lessPosted April 2022 by navyjim58, Czech Republic
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from Czech Republic
Other airlines based in Czech Republic
FAQ
CSA Czech Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The longest route was Seoul to Prague, about 8,238 km nonstop.
- CSA Czech Airlines served exactly 53 destinations across 33 countries, operating 136 routes.
- Prague was CSA Czech Airlines’ primary hub and the centre of its scheduled network. Other significant departure points included Karlovy Vary, Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Baku.
- Its network covered European and selected international destinations, including Prague, Amsterdam, Geneva, Madrid, Paris, Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Baku. Czech Airlines ended its own scheduled operations in October 2024, so current bookings should be checked for the actual operating carrier.
- The busiest departure hubs by route count were Prague, Karlovy Vary, Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Baku, in that order. Prague was the airline’s principal base.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the displayed price.
- Carry-on limits varied by fare, cabin and operating carrier. Because present itineraries may be operated by Smartwings or another airline, check the dimensions, weight limit and item count shown on the booking confirmation before travel.
- Fares are generally lowest when booked outside peak summer, holiday and major-event periods, with flexibility across dates often producing better options. Compare the total price, including baggage and seat fees, and confirm which airline operates the flight.