Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines launched operations in early 2020, and has been growing rapidly ever since. While the carrier has an extensive intra-Asia route network, long haul service has been centered exclusively around North America, up until now.
So there’s an interesting update, as the airline has just announced its first destination in Europe, and it’s not necessarily the city you’d expect…
Starlux adds Taipei to Prague flights as of August 2026
As of August 1, 2026, Starlux Airlines will launch flights between Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) and Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG). Specifically, the flight will operate with the following schedule:
JX101 Taipei to Prague departing 12:10AM arriving 7:50AM
JX102 Prague to Taipei departing 10:20AM arriving 5:10AM (+1 dayg)
The 5,611-mile route is blocked at 13hr40min westbound and 12hr50min eastbound. The flight will initially operate 3x weekly (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in both directions), prior to increasing to 4x weekly as of October 1, 2026 (with added service on Mondays).
This route will be operated by an Airbus A350-900. That plane is equipped with 306 seats, including four first class seats, 26 business class seats, 36 premium economy seats, and 240 economy seats. I’ve reviewed Starlux’s excellent A350 business class.
Prague will be Starlux’s first destination in Europe, and sixth overall long haul destination, complementing flights to Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).
My take on Starlux’s first European destination
Typically if an Asian carrier were to add its first destination in Europe, you’d expect it to be something like London or Paris. What makes the dynamics in Taiwan interesting is that there are three full service global airlines, and Starlux is of course playing catch-up in terms of the network, as it’s the newest airline.
When it comes to Prague, it’s a destination that’s already served by China Airlines, but not EVA Air. So I suppose in some ways, it’s not as saturated with Taiwanese service as some other airports in Europe.
On the other hand, a market being served by other Taiwanese carriers hasn’t exactly stopped Starlux in the past, given that its first three US destinations were Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, all with extensive service from China Airlines and EVA Air.
Starlux Chairman Chang Kuo-wei explains that Prague’s central location makes it a good gateway, and will provide efficient onward connectivity to other major Asian hubs. He also explains it’s a popular tourist destination for Taiwanese travelers, and that strengthening semiconductor ties between Taiwan and Czech Republic have boosted demand for both business and leisure travelers.
Keep in mind that Starlux isn’t currently in any major alliance, so the airline is sort of expanding “alone,” aside from setting up partnerships here and there. The airline does want to join the oneworld alliance, but nothing has come of that up until this point.
I’m sure this route will ultimately perform pretty well, and I’m curious to see what’s next for the carrier’s long haul expansion. Starlux’s Chairman suggests that Milan is the next European airport on the radar.
Bottom line
As of August 1, 2026, Starlux Airlines plans to launch 3x weekly flights to Prague, before increasing frequencies to 4x weekly. This is the carrier’s first route to Europe, so that’s pretty interesting to see, even if Prague isn’t necessarily what you’d expect the first destination to be. I’m curious to see what’s next for the carrier’s growth.
What do you make of Starlux launching Prague flights?
