Port Polska: Poland invests €10 billion to challenge Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam by 2032

Poland is accelerating a project that could reshape Europe’s air travel map. Port Polska, the country’s future mega-airport, is set to open by late 2032 with an initial capacity of 34 million passengers annually. Behind this ambitious figure lies a clear goal: to make Warsaw a major transit hub, capable of competing with Europe’s top hubs like Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam-Schiphol. Led by the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) company, this colossal project combines multiple stakes: easing congestion at Warsaw Chopin Airport, which handled 24.1 million passengers in 2025, while supporting the growth of LOT Polish Airlines and strengthening freight connections.

Construction is set to begin in the coming months, with total investment estimated at €10.1 billion. The timeline is tight: the goal is to meet the 2032 opening date despite risks related to financing and construction company availability. The next steps involve earthworks, terminal construction, and runway-side infrastructure. Two parallel runways, each 4,000 meters long and 60 meters wide, are planned, with a target capacity of 80 to 90 movements per hour, 24/7. The terminal, designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Buro Happold, promises optimized connection times: 35 to 45 minutes for domestic routes and 45 to 60 minutes for international flights. The aim is to make Port Polska a high-performance transfer hub, where passengers can seamlessly connect between flights without delays.

For LOT Polish Airlines, this new airport represents a major opportunity. The airline, which is banking on growth in its short-haul and long-haul networks, will benefit from contact stands adapted to wide-body aircraft, with modular stands that can accommodate either one wide-body aircraft or two single-aisle planes. Port Polska is set to become the heart of a transfer network connecting Europe, North America, and Asia, while also strengthening domestic and regional links. Poland aims to reduce its dependence on foreign hubs and attract a share of passenger traffic currently routed through other European countries.

The project extends beyond passenger traffic. Air freight is a second strategic pillar. Port Polska aims to capture some of Poland’s cargo currently routed through major Western European hubs. The goal is to create synergy between air and logistics infrastructure. A rail transshipment terminal is also planned nearby, supporting the activities of the future Cargo City. A free trade zone is envisaged, though its implementation will depend on legal and administrative arrangements. Access to the A2 highway will be critical for collecting and distributing air freight.

For passengers, rail integration will expand the hub’s catchment area. The high-speed Warsaw–airport–Łódź link is scheduled for late 2032, coinciding with the airport’s opening. Branches to Poznań and Wrocław are set to follow by 2035. According to CPK estimates, up to half of travelers could reach Port Polska by train. This rail integration is crucial to reduce road congestion around Warsaw and ease access to the airport. Port Polska also aims to be a strategic platform in times of crisis: Poland has requested dedicated EU funding for facilities that can support military or humanitarian transport during emergencies.

The Port Polska timeline is ambitious, but challenges abound. Financing remains a concern, with ongoing discussions with commercial banks and development institutions to finalize the debt structure. The coming years will be decisive, with administrative delays potentially slowing construction. Yet, if the project is delivered as planned, it could disrupt Europe’s airport landscape. Airlines, travelers, and freight operators are eagerly awaiting the next steps, while industry giants closely monitor this initiative, which could redefine the rules of the game in Europe.

A terminal designed for speed and passenger experience

The Port Polska terminal, designed by Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, prioritizes an optimized transfer-focused layout. Contact stands are adapted to wide-body aircraft, with modular stands that can accommodate either one wide-body aircraft or two single-aisle planes. This flexibility will allow the airport to adapt to demand and maximize infrastructure use. The target connection times are ambitious: 35 to 45 minutes for domestic routes and 45 to 60 minutes for international flights. While still theoretical, these goals reflect a commitment to making Port Polska a highly efficient transfer hub.

The runway-side infrastructure is also designed for intensive operations. Two parallel runways, each 4,000 meters long and 60 meters wide, will handle up to 80 to 90 movements per hour. Round-the-clock operations are planned, enhancing the hub’s appeal to airlines. The terminal will enable LOT Polish Airlines to expand its connections between regional, European, and long-haul markets while offering a smooth, modern passenger experience.

The project’s designers emphasize the integration of airport infrastructure into its surroundings. The terminal is designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape, with architecture that balances functionality and aesthetics. Materials and technical solutions aim to reduce environmental impact while ensuring sustainable long-term operations. Port Polska will not just be an airport—it will be a multimodal platform where passengers and freight can transit quickly and efficiently.

Air freight: a growth lever for Poland

Air freight is a key element of the Port Polska project. Poland aims to attract some of the country’s cargo currently routed through major Western European hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Paris. The goal is to create synergy between air and logistics infrastructure. A rail transshipment terminal is also planned nearby, supporting the activities of the future Cargo City. A free trade zone is envisaged, though its implementation will depend on legal and administrative arrangements. Access to the A2 highway will be critical for collecting and distributing air freight.

Air freight represents a major opportunity for Poland. The country’s central European location makes it a natural crossroads for goods transiting between Western and Eastern Europe, as well as to Asia and North America. Port Polska could become a major logistics hub, capable of rivaling Europe’s top hubs. Discussions are underway with carriers, freight forwarders, and ground handlers to design warehouses and processing circuits tailored to market needs.

The integration of air freight into the Port Polska project is strategic. It will diversify the airport’s activities and enhance its appeal. Industry players are eagerly awaiting the next steps, while Polish authorities are working to finalize the project’s financial and technical framework. If Port Polska succeeds in establishing itself as a major freight hub, it could reshape logistics flows in Central Europe.

Rail integration: a key asset to decongest Warsaw and attract travelers

Rail integration is a cornerstone of the Port Polska project. The high-speed Warsaw–airport–Łódź link is scheduled for late 2032, coinciding with the airport’s opening. Branches to Poznań and Wrocław are set to follow by 2035. According to CPK estimates, up to half of travelers could reach Port Polska by train. This rail integration is crucial to reduce road congestion around Warsaw and ease access to the airport.

The project also includes a rail transshipment terminal near the airport, supporting the activities of the future Cargo City. This infrastructure will directly connect rail to the airport, facilitating the transport of goods and passengers. The ambition is clear: to make Port Polska a multimodal platform, where passengers and freight can transit quickly and efficiently.

Polish authorities emphasize the importance of this integration. Rail will help decongest roads around Warsaw and reduce travel times for passengers. High-speed links to Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław will enhance Port Polska’s appeal, making it accessible from several major Polish cities. If the project materializes, it could transform mobility in Poland and offer a credible alternative to the saturated airports of Western Europe.

The coming years will be decisive for Port Polska. If financial and technical challenges are met, the airport could become a major player in European air transport. Airlines, travelers, and freight operators are eagerly awaiting the next steps, while industry giants closely monitor this initiative, which could redefine the rules of the game in Europe.