Thousands flock to airport where Volkswagen is considering building a factory

Thousands of people flocked on Saturday for the opening of the hangar day at the military reserve airport in Lynje near Pilsen, where Volkswagen is looking to build a so-called “gigafactory” for batteries for electric vehicles. . The organizers of the event aim to help preserve the airport and make the public aware of how sad it would be for the region to lose it, rather than to protest against the construction of the factory.

Transport Minister Martin Kupka was also on the scene at the invitation of the organizers. He said the construction of the factory is a great opportunity for the transformation of the Czech Republic and its automotive industry.

The airport is closely related to the history of aviation in West Bohemia, which began in Pilsen after World War I. The large number of visitors, estimated at around 15,000, according to organizers, is a testament to public support and interest in the airport.

Volkswagen plans to announce by the end of March whether the plant will be built in Lynje or elsewhere in Poland, Slovakia or Hungary. Construction is expected to start at the end of 2024.