Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava

Leos Janacek Airport Ostrava sits 20 kilometres southwest of Ostrava's city centre, near the village of Mosnov. It is the main regional airport for the Moravian-Silesian Region, handling around 300,000 passengers annually. The airport operates a single terminal building and a 3,500-metre runway capable of handling medium-haul aircraft. Despite its modest size, the airport has seen steady traffic growth, driven by both business travel to the industrial hub of Ostrava and leisure travel to the Beskydy Mountains and the UNESCO-listed sights of the region. The facility is named after the Czech composer Leoš Janáček, reflecting the area's cultural heritage.

Getting There

Ostrava city centre is the primary origin for airport traffic. By car, the journey takes about 25 minutes via the D56 motorway, exiting at the Ostrava-Jih junction and following signs to Mosnov. The airport has a paid parking lot with short-term and long-term rates, including designated accessible spaces. Taxis are available from the city centre, with a typical fare of around 400–500 CZK. Public transport is limited but functional: bus number 5 leaves from Ostrava's main railway station (Ostrava hlavní nádraží) every 30–60 minutes, stopping at the airport terminal. The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, a shuttle service operates between the airport and the city centre, coordinated with flight schedules. For those driving from further afield, the airport is accessible via the D1 motorway from Brno or the A1 from Poland. Cycling is not recommended due to limited bike lanes and the rural roads around Mosnov.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Leos Janacek Airport Ostrava is compact, with a single floor for check-in and arrivals. The entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and the car park includes designated accessible spaces. Inside, passengers find a row of check-in counters, a small security checkpoint, and a waiting area with basic seating. The terminal has toilets, including wheelchair-accessible toilets, and a changing table in the family restroom. Baggage storage is available for a fee, located near the check-in area. The atmosphere is functional rather than luxurious; there are a few shops and a café selling snacks and drinks. Wi-Fi is free but can be slow during peak hours. Busiest times are Monday 9 am, Tuesday 6 pm, Wednesday 8 pm, and Thursday 11 am, when queues at security can build up. The terminal is not open 24 hours; it closes after the last arrival and opens about two hours before the first departure. Passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights.

Leos Janacek Airport Ostrava and Mosnov

The airport's location near Mosnov places it within a region that rewards exploration. Mosnov itself is a small village with fewer than 500 residents, known for its 17th-century Church of Saint Catherine and its proximity to the Poodří Protected Landscape Area. The Poodří, with its network of oxbow lakes and floodplain forests, offers excellent birdwatching and cycling trails. A few kilometres north, the city of Ostrava presents a stark contrast: an industrial centre reborn as a cultural destination. The former coal mine of Hlubina, now part of the Dolní Vítkovice complex, has been transformed into a museum, concert venue, and restaurant space. The area is also famous for its steelworks, which defined Ostrava's character for much of the 20th century. Further east, the Beskydy Mountains provide hiking and skiing opportunities, with trails starting about 40 minutes from the airport. The castle of Hukvaldy, birthplace of the composer Leoš Janáček, is a short drive away and offers a glimpse into the region's musical heritage. For food, the region is known for its generous portions—try the local specialty of 'smazeny syr' (fried cheese) served with tartar sauce. The airport also serves as a gateway for Polish travellers, with the border just 15 kilometres north, making it a practical entry point for exploring the Czech-Polish borderlands. Whether you are passing through for business or heading into the countryside, the area around Mosnov offers a genuine slice of Moravian life.

Practical Information

The airport is not open every day; it operates on a schedule determined by flight times. Generally, the terminal opens two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Current flight schedules and exact hours are available on the official website: http://www.airport-ostrava.cz/. For enquiries, call +420 597 471 136. The parking lot accepts credit cards and has a pay-on-foot machine. Baggage storage costs 50 CZK per item per day. There are no currency exchange desks; use ATMs in the terminal or exchange before arrival. The nearest pharmacy and supermarket are in Mosnov village, about a five-minute drive. For wheelchair users, assistance is available; contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance. An important tip: if you are flying out during the busy times listed above, arrive an extra 30 minutes early to account for potential queues at security.