About this place
The Monument to the Czechoslovak RAF Squadrons stands in a small park by the old terminal (Terminal 3) of Prague-Ruzyně Airport, just a few hundred metres from the runways used during and after the Second World War by Czechoslovak airmen serving in Britain's Royal Air Force. The memorial honours nearly 2,500 Czechoslovak airmen who fought the German invasion in RAF ranks.
What does the monument look like?
Designed by architect Martin Zajíček of Slaný, the monument takes the form of a reinforced-concrete arch reminiscent of a triumphal arch. Its surface is faced with polished granite bearing the insignia of four Czechoslovak squadrons that served within the RAF — three fighter squadrons and one bomber squadron. The simple, monumental shape echoes traditional military memorials while remaining clean and contemporary in form.
Why was it built at this particular spot?
The monument was unveiled on 24 August 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the return of the Czechoslovak RAF squadrons from Great Britain to their liberated homeland. Its location by the old Ruzyně terminal is deliberate: this is where the returning squadrons' aircraft actually landed after the war, making the site a symbolic closing point of their frontline service under RAF colours.
What happened at the unveiling ceremony?
The unveiling was attended by war veterans, members of the Czech Army, and Cardinal Dominik Duka. The ceremony opened with a flypast of two Gripen JAS-39 fighter jets, and the musical accompaniment featured Scottish bagpipes, a nod to the British context of the Czechoslovak airmen's wartime service.
Who were the airmen the monument commemorates?
After the fall of Czechoslovakia in 1939, nearly 2,500 Czechoslovak pilots, ground crew and support personnel made their way to Great Britain, where dedicated Czechoslovak squadrons — three fighter and one bomber — were formed within the RAF. They took part in the Battle of Britain and in further RAF combat operations over Europe through to 1945. After the war, some of these airmen returned home via the airport at Ruzyně, though for many veterans the subsequent communist era brought persecution rather than recognition — which is part of why monuments like this one, raised only after 1989, carry particular significance.
How do you get there?
The monument stands on the grounds of Prague-Ruzyně Airport (Václav Havel Airport Prague), in a small park next to the old Terminal 3, reachable via the airport's public access roads. Its coordinates are 50.0984389, 14.2884019. Because it sits within an active airport perimeter, it's worth checking current access and parking rules for this zone before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
When was the monument unveiled? On 24 August 2015, on the 70th anniversary of the Czechoslovak RAF squadrons' return home.
Who designed it? Architect Martin Zajíček of Slaný.
Which squadrons does it commemorate? Four Czechoslovak RAF squadrons — three fighter squadrons and one bomber squadron — whose insignia are set into the granite facing.
Why is the monument located at Ruzyně Airport? Because this is where the returning Czechoslovak RAF squadrons' aircraft landed after the war, tying the site directly to their history.
Is the monument publicly accessible? Yes, it stands in an open park area by the airport's old terminal, within the airport's publicly accessible grounds.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.