A brand-new chapter in European aviation is on the horizon as Poland gears up to unveil its state-of-the-art Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) Airport. Slated for completion in 2032, this ambitious project aims to position Poland as a leading travel hub while significantly enhancing connectivity within Europe and beyond.
Strategic Location and Capacity
Nestled between Warsaw and Łódź, CPK Airport is poised to handle an initial 34 million passengers annually, with the potential to expand capacity to 44 million, depending on demand. This marks a substantial leap from Warsaw Chopin Airport, currently the country’s busiest, which served 18.5 million passengers in 2023. As part of a broader infrastructure expansion, CPK is set to become a crucial node for both passenger and cargo transport, offering modern facilities and seamless travel experiences.
World-Class Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport will feature two parallel runways, each 3,800 meters long, ensuring efficient air traffic flow. The passenger terminal, spanning approximately 450,000 square meters, will be designed for optimal traveler convenience. Key features include:
- Multiple service levels: A dedicated layout for departures, arrivals, and transfer passengers.
- High-capacity check-in: Initially, 140 check-in counters will be operational, with space for expansion to 170.
- Advanced baggage systems: Designed to streamline luggage handling, reducing wait times.
- Enhanced aircraft capacity: The first phase will accommodate up to 68 aircraft at contact stands, with 23 dedicated to wide-body planes.
Seamless Multimodal Connectivity
Beyond aviation, CPK will function as a comprehensive transport hub. A high-speed rail network will connect the airport to major Polish cities, including Warsaw in just 20 minutes and Łódź in 40 minutes. The integrated rail system, featuring six underground platforms, aims to handle 40% of arriving passengers, reducing road congestion and enhancing accessibility.
Economic and Regional Growth
With an estimated budget of over £26 billion (131.7 billion PLN), CPK is expected to generate approximately 150,000 jobs, fostering economic growth and strengthening Poland’s position in the global aviation market. As part of a broader modernization strategy, the expansion of Chopin Airport and Warsaw-Modlin Airport will precede CPK’s launch, ensuring a smooth transition in air traffic management.
The Future of Air Travel in Poland
CPK’s design incorporates flexibility for future growth, with a third runway reserved for potential expansion. Long-haul travel is a key focus, with expectations for increased transfer traffic between Europe, Asia, and North America. Additionally, air cargo operations are set to expand, with capacity projected to reach 1.5 million tonnes by 2060.
As Poland prepares for this transformative development, CPK is set to redefine the country’s aviation landscape, promising a world-class experience for travelers and positioning itself among Europe’s most advanced airports.
Source and renderingd CPK
