Direct Air Link Between Bratislava and Košice Returns After Six Years
Slovakia is set to reintroduce a direct air connection between Bratislava and Košice, ending a six-year break in domestic flights. On 22 August 2025, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that Wizz Air won the tender to operate the route, with services scheduled to launch in late autumn. The decision aims to restore a vital transport link between the country’s largest cities, offering travellers a faster alternative to long rail and road journeys.
The flights will operate daily, with morning and afternoon departures on Mondays and Fridays, and a single evening service on Sundays. Fares will be structured as follows:
- One-way tickets from €19.99, capped at €75
- Checked baggage options up to €85
- Round-trip fares limited to €150, or €170 with baggage
“I am very pleased that we have successfully completed this tender. In doing so, we are fulfilling the promise we made to the people. The restoration of the connection between Bratislava and Košice will significantly shorten travel time between the east and west of Slovakia and provide people with a safe, comfortable, and affordable alternative."
For travellers taking advantage of this renewed connection, the benefits go beyond merely reducing travel time. Those arriving in Bratislava can easily visit Devín Castle. This historic site offers scenic views over the Danube River. The Little Carpathians Wine Route features traditional vineyards and wine cellars. The museum of Danubiana Meulensteen rests on a charming riverside peninsula. Visitors can enjoy a mix of cultural and natural experiences at these sites, all situated near the capital.
Travellers arriving in Košice gain convenient access to the main highlights of eastern Slovakia. The region offers a range of outdoor activities and relaxation opportunities, from the rugged trails and waterfalls of Slovak Paradise National Park to Spiš Castle, a UNESCO-listed site and one of Europe’s largest castles, as well as the thermal springs at Vrbov. The renewed flights open up easier access to these locations, benefiting passengers who cannot spend much time travelling.
The return of the Bratislava to Košice route marks a significant step in strengthening domestic mobility. The service cuts travel between the country’s two ends to just over an hour, providing benefits for tourism, commercial travel, and regional connectivity. The route allows international travellers passing through Bratislava to discover more of Slovakia, while restoring a reliable and convenient travel choice for local passengers.
