The decision clears the way for major upgrades, including modernization of the passenger terminal and extension of the southern pier. PPL called the ruling a “key step” toward increasing the airport’s capacity.
According to PPL, the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection granted immediate enforceability due to the strategic nature of the project and its social and economic importance. This allows the airport operator to move directly to the next stages of planning and construction.
Piotr Malepszak, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and government plenipotentiary for the Central Transport Hub, said the decision is an important milestone in preparing the airport for higher traffic. He noted that modernizing Chopin Airport is part of a broader effort to build air traffic ahead of the opening of a new airport 40 kilometers from Warsaw.
PPL President Łukasz Chaberski said the ruling opens the way for expansion and marks the start of a decisive phase of modernization. The company added that five leading European firms are working with PPL experts in a competitive dialogue to develop the best solutions.
The modernization, valued at roughly USD 250 million, is scheduled for completion in 2029. The number of narrow‑body aircraft stands will rise from 62 to 83, and wide‑body stands from 15 to 24. The terminal area will grow by 15 percent, from 165,000 to 189,000 square meters. The old Etiuda terminal will be demolished, and the VIP lounge relocated.
Warsaw Chopin Airport is Poland’s largest airport and one of the biggest in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2025, it served 24 million passengers, up from 21.3 million the previous year. During the summer season, travelers can fly to 142 destinations. Airlines operating from the airport include LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Emirates, KLM, SAS, and British Airways.
The airport is expected to remain fully operational until the opening of the new facility under the Port Polska project, planned for 2032, when passenger traffic will be transferred.
(pu)
Source: PAP