Do you know which Polish airports attract the most passengers and how dynamically air traffic is developing in the country on the Vistula River?
From the capital's Chopin Airport to the intimate ports in Rzeszów or Bydgoszcz – each of them has its role in domestic and international transport.
Find out how Polish airports compare to global leaders and what changes will be brought about by the construction of the Central Communication Port.
Will Poland become the new aviation hub of Central and Eastern Europe? Check out the details in our article!
The largest airports in Poland - a short list for the impatient
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – 16.7 million passengers in 2023 , the largest and most important airport in Poland, the central hub of LOT Polish Airlines.
Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK) – 9.2 million passengers in 2023 , key for Małopolska, well connected with the south of Poland.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) – 5.5 million passengers in 2023 , leader in serving northern Poland, particularly popular among passengers traveling to Scandinavia.
Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (KTW) – 5.6 million passengers in 2023 , leader in charter and cargo flights, serving the Silesian Voivodeship.
Wrocław-Strachowice Airport (WRO) – 3.9 million passengers in 2023 , one of the fastest growing regional airports in Poland, key for Lower Silesia.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI) – 3.4 million passengers in 2023 , specializing in servicing low-cost airlines, especially Ryanair.
Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ) – 2.8 million passengers in 2023 , one of the oldest airports in Poland, serving the Wielkopolska Province.
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE) – 1.1 million passengers in 2023 , the largest port in south-eastern Poland, known for its long runway and growing role in cargo.
Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ) – 900,000 passengers in 2023 , serving Western Pomerania and popular among the Polish diaspora from Western Europe.
Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo Airport (BZG) – 500,000 passengers in 2023 , an important communication hub for Kujawy and Pomerania.
Want to learn more about other airports in Poland? The full list of passenger airports is below!
Dynamic development of air traffic in Poland
The Polish aviation industry has been developing dynamically in recent years, despite the enormous difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, global lockdowns and travel restrictions caused Polish airports to record a dramatic drop in passenger numbers – by over 70%. Many airports had to limit operations and some connections were suspended.
Fortunately, 2022 brought a clear recovery, and in 2023 results began to approach pre-pandemic levels.
According to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP), the number of flight operations in Polish airspace increased by 12% compared to 2022, reaching 687.4 thousand operations.
However, it is still 26% less than in 2019. This state of affairs is due, among other things, to the impact of the war in Ukraine and the restriction of transit traffic in the region.
Which airports recovered the fastest?
Many Polish airports recorded impressive increases in air traffic, some even exceeding 2019 results.
The largest development was recorded at the airport in Szymany , where the increase amounted to 1144.3%! Significant changes were also recorded at the airport in Radom (615%), at the airport in Rzeszów-Jasionka (76%) and in Łódź (24%).
On the other hand, declines compared to 2019 were observed, among others, at Chopin Airport in Warsaw (-14.7%), in Szczecin (-10.7%) and in Lublin (-4.1%).
Despite this, Warsaw Okęcie Airport , which is the most important transport hub in Poland, still ranks high in the ranking of airports serving the largest number of passengers .
Forecasts for the aviation market in Poland
Experts predict that air traffic in Poland will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. In particular, the Central Communication Port (CPK) , which is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe, has the potential to change the balance of power in the aviation market.
The central airport , which is to be built in the coming years, will play a key role in increasing capacity and raising Poland's position as an important aviation hub in Europe.
Poland is gaining increasing importance in the region, and the development of such centres as Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport , Kraków-Balice Airport or Gdańsk Airport , proves the growing role of regional hubs.
With such results, Poland has a chance to become a leader in the ranking of the largest aviation markets in Central and Eastern Europe. ✈️
Polish airports prove that even after the crisis they can return to the path of dynamic development.
Starting from smaller airports , such as in Rzeszów or Radom, to the central hubs in Warsaw and Kraków – all these places play an important role in shaping the future of Polish aviation.
Can we expect that the ranking of the largest airports in Europe will soon include the new central communication port ? Time will tell, but everything indicates that the Polish aviation industry is well on its way to success.
Central Communication Port – A New Era of Polish Transport
The Central Communication Port (CPK) is one of the most ambitious projects in the history of Polish infrastructure, which is to become a key transport hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
Located between Warsaw and Łódź, on an area of approximately 30 km², it includes the construction of a modern airport , supported by an extensive rail and road network.
This huge investment is aimed not only at relieving Warsaw Chopin Airport , but also at strengthening Poland's position as a leader in the region.
Initially, the new airport will be able to handle 34 million passengers per year, with the potential to increase capacity to 45 million in subsequent stages of development.
The passenger terminal , designed in a modular manner on an area of 400,000 m², will allow for flexible expansion as needs grow.
In addition to passenger transport, the Central Communication Port will play a key role in handling cargo transport, supporting exports and international trade.
The CPK project also includes the construction of 1,600 km of new railway lines that will connect the airport with the largest Polish cities, such as Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań.
The Warsaw – CPK – Łódź line will play a special role, enabling travel to the capital in just 15 minutes.
There are also plans to implement high-speed rail, which will significantly shorten travel times both within the country and with neighboring countries.
Thanks to this, the Central Communication Port will also gain importance in the international context.
The total investment cost amounts to PLN 131.7 billion, making it one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in Europe.
The first stage of construction is to be completed in 2032, which will open a new chapter in the history of Polish transport.
The project is of great strategic importance – it will relieve the overloaded Chopin Airport , which is currently the country's main hub, and at the same time allow Poland to play a key role in international air and rail traffic.
Additionally, the creation of thousands of new jobs will have a positive impact on the economic development of the entire country.
The central airport will also gain an international dimension. Its central location in Central Europe will make it an important transport hub, connecting the countries of the region with Western and Northern Europe.
This is an investment not only in infrastructure, but also in the future of Poland as a logistics and transport centre.
Thanks to CPK , our country has a chance to become one of the leaders in modern transport, attracting new investments and strengthening its position on the international stage.
Will the ranking of the largest airports in Europe soon include the Central Airport as one of the top ones? Everything indicates that Poland is heading in this direction! ✈️
List of Passenger Airports in Poland
There are 14 airports in Poland serving regular domestic and international connections. In 2023, the total number of passengers carried exceeded 50 million, which indicates a dynamic recovery in traffic after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warsaw Chopin Airport , Kraków-Balice Airport and Gdańsk-Lech Wałęsa Airport achieved results close to the record levels of 2019.
Experts predict that air traffic in Poland may exceed 80 million passengers per year by 2035. This is due to the growing number of connections, infrastructure modernization and the planned opening of the Central Communication Port (CPK) .
Warsaw Airport and other strategic hubs, such as Wrocław Airport or Katowice Airport , play a key role in shaping Poland's position as an important transport centre in Central and Eastern Europe.
The increase in the number of passengers also supports the development of regional airports, such as Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport or Szczecin Airport , which are gaining in importance year by year.
Thanks to this, Poland is strengthening its position in the ranking of the largest airports in the region and is becoming more and more competitive on the international air transport map.
1. Chopin Airport in Warsaw (WAW)
Location: Warsaw, Włochy district
Passenger traffic:
2019 (pre-pandemic): 18.9 million passengers
2023: 16.7 million passengers
Warsaw Chopin Airport , also known as Okęcie Airport , is the largest and main airport in Poland. It covers an area of 500 ha and handles over 40% of all air traffic in the country.
As the central hub for LOT Polish Airlines , the airport plays a key role in servicing both domestic and international flights, particularly to destinations such as North America, Asia and the Middle East.
This international airport has one of the most modern terminals in Central Europe, divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones.
Passengers have access to a wide range of services, including luxurious business lounges, duty-free shops and numerous restaurants.
In 2023, Warsaw-Okęcie Airport was at the top of the ranking of the largest airports in Poland, serving the largest number of passengers in the country.
Chopin Airport is a key element of the Polish transport system, connecting Poland with the world's largest aviation hubs. Its strategic location also makes it one of the most important airports in Central Europe.
In view of the growing number of passengers transported , the airport is undergoing modernization aimed at increasing capacity and improving infrastructure.
It is planned to partially relieve Warsaw Airport after the opening of the Central Communication Port (CPK) , which will become the new central transport hub in Poland.
Despite this, Chopin Airport will remain a key point on the map of Polish and European airports, playing the role of an important transport and logistics centre.
2. Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK)
Location: Balice, about 11 km west of the center of Krakow
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 8.4 million passengers
2023: 9.2 million passengers
Airport description:
Kraków-Balice Airport , also known as Balice Airport , is the second largest airport in Poland and a key regional airport for the southern part of the country.
Located near the A4 motorway, it provides excellent connections with the center of Krakow and other cities in the region, making it one of the best-connected airports in Poland.
The airport serves numerous international flights, particularly to the UK, Italy and Germany, making it a popular choice for both tourists and business passengers.
Thanks to the recent modernisation and expansion of the passenger terminal, Kraków-Balice Airport has increased its capacity, improving passenger comfort and preparing for a further increase in the number of checked-in passengers .
It is also an important airport for tourism in Małopolska, serving people visiting Kraków, Wieliczka and Oświęcim.
In 2023, Kraków-Balice Airport achieved impressive results, recording the highest number of passengers in its history, which was the result of the growing interest in tourist travel following the COVID-19 pandemic.
This port plays an important role in the development of Polish airports , supporting the domestic aviation market and maintaining its position as one of the leaders in the ranking of the largest airports in Poland.
Thanks to its location and dynamic development, Balice Airport remains one of the key elements of transport infrastructure in southern Poland.
3. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) - Gdańsk Rębiechowo
Location: Gdańsk, Matarnia district
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 5.3 million passengers
2023: 5.5 million passengers
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport , the third largest in Poland, plays a key role in serving the northern part of the country, including the Tri-City and Pomerania.
Its modern passenger terminal ensures comfort for passengers, offering a wide range of catering and commercial services, as well as a space dedicated to the history of the airport's patron, Lech Wałęsa – Nobel Peace Prize winner.
The airport serves numerous European connections, especially to Scandinavian countries, Germany and the UK, making it attractive to both tourists and business passengers, especially from the maritime and technology sectors.
The popularity of Gdańsk Airport is growing thanks to its convenient location and developed infrastructure.
Thanks to its role in serving travellers visiting the Baltic Sea region, Gdańsk Airport supports the development of tourism and promotes Pomerania as an attractive place for both investors and tourists.
In 2023, the airport recorded a significant increase in the number of passengers transported , placing high in the ranking of the largest airports in Poland.
The dynamic development of this regional airport and its importance among Polish airports confirm that Gdańsk International Airport plays a key role in shaping the aviation market in northern Poland.
4. Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (KTW)
Location: Pyrzowice, about 30 km north of the center of Katowice
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 4.8 million passengers
2023: 5.6 million passengers
Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport is one of the most important airports in Poland, playing a key role in serving the southern part of the country, especially the Silesian Voivodeship.
It is particularly known for operating a large number of charter flights that connect Poles with popular tourist destinations such as Greece, Türkiye and Egypt.
Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport also plays a significant role in cargo transport, being the leader in the cargo category among Polish airports.
The passenger terminal is modern and adapted to handle the dynamically growing traffic. Passengers can use numerous facilities, such as comfortable lounge areas, shops and restaurants.
In 2023, the airport gained recognition as one of the most important regional airports , thanks to its efficient service to both tourists and cargo carriers.
As one of the most important regional airports , Katowice Airport is also a key point for long-haul flights. It was here that the first in Poland was allowed to handle aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Specialized infrastructure and a convenient location make Katowice-Pyrzowice rank high in the ranking of the largest airports in Poland and remain one of the key elements of the country's transport system.
Thanks to its intensive development and the growing number of passengers carried , Katowice International Airport continues its expansion, strengthening Poland's role on the aviation map in Central and Eastern Europe.
5. Wrocław-Strachowice Airport (WRO)
Location: Strachowice, about 10 km west of the center of Wrocław
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 3.5 million passengers
2023: 3.9 million passengers
Wrocław-Strachowice Airport is a key regional airport serving Lower Silesia, and one of the fastest growing airports in Poland. Its modern terminal, expanded in 2012, has significantly increased capacity and improved passenger comfort.
Wroclaw International Airport serves both scheduled and charter flights, offering popular connections to the UK, Italy and Spain.
The airport is particularly attractive to low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, which offer a wide range of connections to European cities.
Thanks to this, Wrocław Airport is one of the leaders in serving passengers using low-cost airlines, which additionally supports its dynamic development.
Wrocław Airport plays a key role in servicing international connections, while supporting the development of tourism and business in the Lower Silesia region.
The terminal is distinguished by modern architecture and decorative elements referring to the history and culture of Wrocław, which makes it a unique place for travellers.
In 2023, Wrocław Airport recorded a significant increase in the number of passengers served , which confirmed its position among the leading Polish regional airports .
Its importance on the map of Polish airports is constantly growing, and the dynamic development of infrastructure means that the airport remains an important element of the Polish transport system.
6. Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI) Mazovian Airport
Location: Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, about 40 km north of Warsaw
Passenger traffic:
2019 (pre-pandemic): 3.1 million passengers
2023: 3.4 million passengers
Warsaw-Modlin Airport is a regional airport that specializes in serving low-cost airlines, with Ryanair as its main carrier.
Thanks to its convenient location and attractive prices, it has become a popular choice for passengers from Mazovia, offering a wide range of connections to cities throughout Europe.
The terminal, although compact, is functional and provides basic amenities such as shops, restaurants and lounge areas.
Warsaw Modlin Airport is constantly investing in infrastructure development to meet growing market demands while maintaining low operating costs for low-cost carriers.
Modlin Airport plays an important role in relieving Warsaw Chopin Airport , taking over a significant part of the traffic in the low-cost carrier segment.
Thanks to this, it supports the even development of the aviation market in the Masovia region.
Its location and specialization make it an important element of the transport strategy for the capital and surrounding area.
The airport began passenger operations in 2012, being built on the site of a former military airport.
Since then, Warsaw-Modlin has been consistently increasing the number of passengers handled , strengthening its position in the Polish airport system and in the ranking of the largest airports in Poland in the low-cost carrier category.
7. Poznań-Ławica Airport (POZ)
Location: Poznań, about 7 km west of the city center
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 2.4 million passengers
2023: 2.8 million passengers
Poznań-Ławica Airport is one of the oldest airports in Poland, dating back to 1913. It currently operates as a regional airport , serving regular and charter flights, as well as significant business traffic.
Connections to Germany, Great Britain and Spain are popular, attracting both tourists and business travellers.
The passenger terminal has undergone extensive modernization, which has improved passenger comfort and increased capacity.
Thanks to this, Poznań-Ławica International Airport can effectively handle the growing number of passengers , strengthening its position in the system of Polish airports .
Its convenient location and developed infrastructure make it an important airport for western Poland, supporting both the development of business and tourism in the Wielkopolska region.
Ławica regularly organizes air shows that attract residents of the region and aviation enthusiasts, referring to the rich history of the airport .
Due to its importance on the aviation map of Poland, Poznań Airport is an important element of the national transport system, contributing to the growth of air traffic in the country.
8. Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport (RZE)
Location: Jasionka, about 10 km north of Rzeszów
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 772 thousand passengers
2023: 1.1 million passengers
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport is the largest regional airport in south-eastern Poland, playing a key role in connecting Podkarpacie with the rest of the country and Europe.
Its importance has increased particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the launch of new international connections and the development of cargo transport.
Rzeszów Airport has regular flights to cities such as London, Dublin and Frankfurt, as well as a domestic connection to Chopin Airport in Warsaw . Charter flights are also popular, especially to Greece and Turkey.
The passenger terminal has been expanded, which has allowed the infrastructure to be better adapted to handle the growing number of passengers each year .
The airport is one of the few regional airports in Poland that can boast a 3,200 m runway, enabling it to handle the largest passenger and cargo aircraft.
Thanks to this, Rzeszów Airport has gained importance as a cargo transport hub, which has a positive impact on the economic development of the region.
Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport plays an important role among Polish airports , supporting the development of passenger and cargo traffic in this part of the country.
Its location and modern infrastructure make it one of the most important elements of the transport system in south-eastern Poland.
Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport regularly strengthens its position in the ranking of the largest airports , attracting both passenger and cargo carriers.
9. Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)
Location: Goleniów, about 45 km from Szczecin
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 563 thousand passengers
2023: 900 thousand passengers
Szczecin-Goleniów Airport is a key regional airport serving the West Pomerania region. The airport provides domestic connections, including to Warsaw Chopin Airport , and international connections, mainly to Great Britain, Norway and Germany.
Thanks to its convenient location and a modern terminal that has been modernized, Szczecin Airport provides high travel comfort and increased capacity.
The airport is popular among Polish people living in Western Europe and tourists visiting the western coast of the Baltic Sea.
Its importance for the region goes beyond tourism – Szczecin Airport plays an important role in the development of the economy of Western Pomerania, connecting the region with the largest centres in Europe.
Szczecin-Goleniów International Airport also offers special facilities for families travelling with children, such as spacious play areas in the terminal, which further increases its attractiveness among passengers.
Thanks to the constantly developing network of connections and improved infrastructure, Szczecin Airport strengthens its position among Polish airports and has the potential for further development, contributing to the growth of air traffic in the region.
10. Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo Airport (BZG)
Location: Bydgoszcz, about 3 km from the city center
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 413 thousand passengers
2023: 500k passengers
Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo Airport is a regional airport serving the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and north-western Poland.
It offers international connections, particularly popular with passengers travelling to the UK and Germany, including London, Dublin and Birmingham.
Thanks to its strategic location, the regional airport in Bydgoszcz is an important transport hub for the region's inhabitants.
The modernization of infrastructure, including the expansion of the passenger terminal, has significantly improved travel comfort and increased the airport's capacity, adapting it to the requirements of modern travelers.
Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo International Airport plays an important role in the development of air transport in Poland, connecting the region with key centres in Europe.
In 2023, the airport celebrated its 90th anniversary, making it one of the oldest Polish airports . Its history and constant development underline the importance of this airport on the map of domestic air traffic .
Thanks to its function in handling the number of passengers per year , Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo Airport not only supports the economic and tourist development of the region, but also strengthens its position among airports located in Poland.
11. Lodz-Lublinek Airport (LCJ)
Location: Łódź, about 6 km southwest of the city center
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 241 thousand passengers
2023: 200k passengers
Łódź-Lublinek Airport is a regional airport that serves mainly international flights, particularly to the United Kingdom, and a limited number of charter flights.
Its compact but functional passenger terminal provides travellers with basic amenities such as lounge areas and food outlets.
Thanks to its strategic location near the A1 and A2 motorways, the Łódź-Lublinek International Airport is easily accessible to passengers from the entire Łódź province. Its location and developing infrastructure make it an important point on the region's transport map.
The Łódź-Lublinek regional airport supports both the economic and educational development of the Łódź province. It serves international connections as well as cargo traffic, which contributes to the region's increased importance in the national transport system.
The port also cooperates with local universities to implement aviation-related educational programmes that promote the development of knowledge and competences in this field.
Although the airport handles fewer passengers per year than the largest Polish airports , its role in serving the residents of Łódź and the surrounding area and in the development of the region is undeniable. Łódź-Lublinek Airport remains an important element of air traffic in central Poland.
12. Olsztyn-Mazury Airport (SZY)
Location: Szymany, about 10 km from Szczytno
Passenger traffic:
2019 (before the pandemic): 50,000 passengers
2023: 100k passengers
Olsztyn-Mazury Airport is the youngest regional airport in Poland, which began passenger operations in 2016. It serves international connections, including to Great Britain and Norway, as well as charter flights to popular holiday destinations.
Thanks to its convenient connections, the airport is becoming increasingly important in the development of air traffic in north-eastern Poland.
Olsztyn-Mazury Airport supports the development of tourism in the Warmia and Mazury region, which is one of the most picturesque areas in Poland. It attracts tourists from both Poland and abroad, promoting local attractions and the unique landscape values of the region.
Olsztyn-Mazury Airport also plays an important role in strengthening the position of Warmia and Mazury as an attractive travel destination.
The airport terminal was designed in a style referring to the Masurian architectural tradition, which gives it a unique character.
Although the airport currently serves fewer passengers per year compared to larger Polish airports , its development contributes to increasing the transport accessibility of the region.
The newly constructed airport in Szymany is a key element of the transport strategy of Warmia and Mazury, as well as an important point on the map of Polish airports .
The largest airports in the world in 2023 – TOP 10
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) , USA
Number of passengers : 104.6 million
Description : The undisputed leader for over two decades, except for the pandemic year.
2. Dubai International Airport (DXB) , United Arab Emirates
Number of passengers : 86.9 million
Description : A key hub in the Middle East with an impressive growth of 31.7% over 2022.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) , USA
Number of passengers : 81.8 million
Description : Texas's main airport and a key transfer point in the USA.
4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) , United Kingdom
Number of passengers : 79.2 million
Description : The largest airport in Europe, the undisputed leader in serving international passengers.
5. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) , Japan
Number of passengers : 78.7 million
Description : One of the major airports in Asia with an impressive growth of 55.1% in 2023.
6. Denver International Airport (DEN) , USA
Number of passengers : 77.8 million
7. Istanbul Airport (IST) , Turkey
Number of passengers : 76 million
Description : A modern hub connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , USA
Number of passengers : 75.1 million
Description : Gateway to California and intercontinental connections.
9. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) , USA
Number of passengers : 73.9 million
10. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) , India
Number of passengers : 72.2 million
Description : The largest airport in India, dynamically developing on a global scale.
These 10 airports combined served more than 806 million passengers in 2023. The dominance of U.S. airports is noticeable, but the growth in travelers in Asia and the Middle East shows the growing importance of these regions in global air traffic.
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