Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
Air transportation in Poland - statistics & facts
Due to its stable economy, Poland is increasingly popular among tourists, foreign investors, and entrepreneurs. The development of the airport network, more convenient access to airports, and more environmentally friendly aircraft are just some of the elements contributing to the increase in the popularity of air transport in Poland. The excellent performance of passenger transport in recent years is primarily due to the expansion of LOT Polish Airlines and low-cost carriers. Ryanair and Wizzair have opened many new destinations and increased their offerings at Polish regional airports. Further development of the flight network by the national carrier LOT Polish Airlines should contribute to a positive result for Polish airports in the future.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polish aviation industry showed great resilience. By 2023, the industry not only recovered from the pandemic losses but also exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The number of air passengers on regional and charter flights reached over 52 million, an increase of more than 11.2 million passengers from the previous year. There were significant increases in passenger traffic at airports in Lodz and Poznan, and Warsaw Chopin Airport alone was used by 18.5 million travelers, up from 14.4 million a year earlier. Polish airports are expected to handle more than 56 million passengers in 2024.
Air traffic in Poland has recovered from the pandemic
In 2020, the Polish aviation industry was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish government's decision to suspend air connections resulted in a 56 percent decline in air operations compared to the previous year. The number of domestic and international passengers at Polish airports also decreased by 70 percent.Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polish aviation industry showed great resilience. By 2023, the industry not only recovered from the pandemic losses but also exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The number of air passengers on regional and charter flights reached over 52 million, an increase of more than 11.2 million passengers from the previous year. There were significant increases in passenger traffic at airports in Lodz and Poznan, and Warsaw Chopin Airport alone was used by 18.5 million travelers, up from 14.4 million a year earlier. Polish airports are expected to handle more than 56 million passengers in 2024.
Central Transportation Port will be built, but different than initially planned
There is currently a substantial dialogue in Poland regarding the potential development of the Central Communication Port (CPK) near Baranow in central Poland. The escalating local demand for air transport, coupled with the absence of regional air transit centers, growing congestion at Western European airports, and the burgeoning need for cargo transportation, underscores a significant opportunity for the country. With the advancement of the Polish carrier LOT and the CPK project, Poland stands to position itself as a prominent contender in the global aviation sector. However, the new government's adjustments to prior plans have sparked widespread debate. The revised strategy involves postponing the airport's inauguration, reducing investments in railway connections linking Polish cities to the hub, and downsizing the anticipated passenger volume from 60 million to approximately 34 million, resulting in a scaled-down airport from the initial proposal. The current administration anticipates the commencement of flight operations from the Baranow-based facility in 2032.
