Two of Poland’s major airports, Gdańsk and Katowice, have reached significant milestones in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for air travel in the country.
Gdańsk Airport Surpasses 6 Million Passengers
Gdańsk Airport celebrated its 6 millionth passenger of the year, a new record for the third-largest international airport in Poland. With an anticipated year-end total of 6.7 million passengers, the airport is poised to surpass last year’s figure of 5.9 million, reflecting strong growth in the region’s air travel sector.
The airport’s steady expansion is fueled by increased connectivity and its strategic importance as a gateway to northern Poland.
Katowice Airport Achieves a Historic Milestone
On November 28, 2024, Katowice Airport welcomed its six-millionth passenger in a calendar year—a first in the airport’s history. This milestone is the latest in a series of rapid growth benchmarks achieved since 2005, when the airport first served 1 million passengers.
- Passenger Growth Timeline at Katowice Airport:
- 1 million: 2005
- 2 million: 2008
- 3 million: 2015
- 4 million: 2018
- 5 million: 2023
- 6 million: 2024
Ambitious Expansion Plans for Katowice Airport
Looking ahead, Katowice Airport forecasts significant passenger growth, with projections of up to 8 million passengers by 2028 and the potential to exceed 10 million by 2030. To accommodate this surge, the airport operator, GTL SA, has launched the largest investment program in its history, set to conclude in 2032.
Key elements of the program include:
- A New Main Passenger Terminal:
- Equipped with air bridges.
- Connected to the “Pyrzowice Lotnisko” railway station via an underground tunnel.
- A Transfer Center:
- Facilitating public and long-distance bus transportation.
- Expanded Road and Parking Infrastructure:
- Including a Kiss & Fly zone.
- Construction of a multi-level car park.
GTL SA is currently conducting a tender process to select designers for the terminal and its accompanying infrastructure, utilizing a competitive dialogue mode to ensure the best solutions.
A Promising Future for Polish Aviation
These milestones highlight the robust growth of Poland’s aviation sector, driven by rising demand for international and domestic flights. With strategic investments and forward-looking development plans, both Gdańsk and Katowice airports are well-positioned to continue their trajectories as key hubs in Central Europe.
