Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Breaking News: STARLUX Airlines Announces First European Destination, Connecting Taipei and Prague in 2026
Published on
February 5, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
In a landmark move for both the airline and the city, Prague has been selected as STARLUX Airlines’ first European destination. The Taiwanese luxury carrier has officially confirmed its new route, which will connect Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) with Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG). This strategic decision is not only a milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion but also underscores the growing relationship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
What is the New Route?
STARLUX Airlines will begin its operations between Taipei and Prague on August 1, 2026, marking a historic addition to its growing international network. This route is poised to cater to both business and leisure travelers, with a special focus on strengthening economic and industrial ties, particularly in the semiconductor sector, which is growing in importance for both countries.
The service will initially operate three times per week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—through the end of September 2026. Starting in October 2026, the airline will expand the service to four times per week by adding a Monday flight to the rotation.
When Do Flights Depart and Arrive?
The inaugural flights will follow the below schedule:
Flight JX101: Taipei (TPE) → Prague (PRG)Departure: 00:10Arrival: 07:50 (local time)Flight JX102: Prague (PRG) → Taipei (TPE)Departure: 10:20Arrival: 05:10 (+1 day)
This schedule ensures that the flights are optimally timed for both business and leisure travelers, with convenient arrival times in Prague to take advantage of the city’s vibrant tourism industry.
What Aircraft Will Be Used?
The route will be serviced by the Airbus A350-900, a state-of-the-art aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and comfort. The Airbus A350-900 will feature a 306-seat configuration across four distinct cabin classes, allowing passengers to choose the level of luxury and service that best fits their needs.
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First Class: The aircraft will feature 4 private suites, making it the only carrier currently offering First Class on this specific route.Business Class: 26 seats offering full-flat beds with private doors for maximum privacy.Premium Economy: 36 seats with extra legroom and enhanced service for a more comfortable journey.Economy Class: 240 seats designed for travelers seeking a more affordable, yet comfortable option.Why Prague?
Prague has been strategically selected as the first European destination for STARLUX Airlines for several key reasons. First and foremost, the city’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal gateway for travelers looking to explore the wider continent. Additionally, Prague has seen an uptick in Taiwanese tourism in recent years, making it a perfect addition to the airline’s growing global network.
Semiconductor Industry: The Czech Republic’s proximity to Dresden, a key center for the semiconductor industry, played a significant role in the decision to launch this new route. STARLUX Airlines’ CEO, Glenn Chai, highlighted that this route is a direct result of strengthening industrial ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, particularly in the field of semiconductors, which is crucial to the economies of both nations.
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What Does This Mean for the Travel Market?
The new Taipei-Prague service will not only improve connectivity between Taiwan and the Czech Republic but will also enhance the overall travel experience for passengers between Europe and Asia. With the 2026 route launch, STARLUX Airlines is tapping into an increasingly competitive market, where it will face competition from China Airlines, which is also increasing its own service to 3× weekly flights starting April 2026.
However, STARLUX Airlines’ focus on luxury, sustainability, and a superior travel experience sets it apart from the competition. The airline’s high-end offerings are expected to cater to both the growing tourism sector and the increasing demand for business travel, especially in the semiconductor industry.
What Are the Future Prospects for STARLUX Airlines?
The launch of this European route is just the beginning of STARLUX Airlines’ ambitious global expansion plans. By securing its position in Europe with the Prague route, the Taiwanese carrier is setting the stage for further expansion in the region and beyond. The airline’s focus on offering premium experiences through state-of-the-art aircraft and world-class service is expected to attract a high-end clientele, particularly in business and luxury travel.
With the Czech Republic’s growing appeal as both a business and tourist destination, STARLUX Airlines anticipates increased demand for its services on the new Taipei-Prague route. The expansion into Europe is a strategic move that will allow the airline to capitalize on the rising number of travelers seeking both cultural and business opportunities between Asia and Europe.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel Between Taiwan and the Czech Republic
The introduction of STARLUX Airlines to the European market is set to transform the travel experience for both Taiwanese and Czech travelers, as well as international tourists eager to explore the dynamic cities of Taipei and Prague. The new Taipei-Prague route is not only a milestone for the airline’s global expansion but also represents a strengthening of ties between two nations with a growing industrial partnership. As STARLUX Airlines continues its expansion, travelers can look forward to more luxurious and culturally immersive experiences on this route and beyond.
