Poland’s new mega-airport set to transform European travel
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- May 31
- 5 min read
Poland is moving forward with one of Europe’s most ambitious transport projects: the Solidarity Transport Hub, known in Polish as Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK).
Planned to open by 2032, this massive new airport and integrated rail terminal will be located near the village of Baranów, about 40 km west of Warsaw.
The aim is to turn CPK into a central gateway for Europe—relieving congestion from Warsaw Chopin Airport while connecting Poland with major destinations across the continent and beyond.
In June 2024, Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the continuation of the CPK project, emphasizing its modernization and national significance:
«The CPK programme will be a triple leap into modernity. Firstly, the high-speed railway, connecting Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław in the first instance. Secondly, the central airport, along with the expansion of the regional airport network. Thirdly, the development of LOT Polish Airlines to become one of the leading carriers.»
He also, according to Reuters, highlighted the importance of depoliticizing the project:
«The issue of the CPK was the subject of serious political confrontation... The task of this team was to separate politics, propaganda, organized trolling... It took some time.»
Modern design by global architects
The terminal is being designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, together with engineering consultants Buro Happold. The design focuses on modular expansion, sustainability, and ease of navigation for travelers.
Early renderings show a striking vaulted roof and spacious, light-filled interiors. The airport will include a central plaza from which passengers can easily access trains and aircraft, reflecting a seamless connection between rail and air.
A hub of connectivity
The Solidarity Transport Hub is more than just an airport. It will be the core of a new high-speed rail network, with up to 2,000 kilometers of new lines planned. These will dramatically cut travel times across Poland. For example:
Warsaw to the new hub: about 15 minutes
Łódź to the hub: about 25 minutes
Major cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk will also be connected
International rail links are also planned, strengthening Poland’s role as a bridge between Western Europe and the East.
A long-term vision
CPK is expected to handle 34 million passengers annually upon opening, with potential expansion to 65 million by 2060. The new hub is projected to create around 150,000 jobs and contribute significantly to Poland’s economy.
Strategically, CPK is also part of Poland’s national security planning. The airport is being designed with dual civilian and military use in mind, giving it added importance in a time of shifting geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Why this airport matters
The CPK project reflects a larger shift in European infrastructure. As traditional Western hubs like Heathrow and Frankfurt face capacity limits and delays, Poland is positioning itself as the new heart of continental travel. With a combination of forward-thinking design, fast rail integration, and long-term planning, the Solidarity Hub could reshape how people travel across Europe. Industry Insider: Filip Czernicki, President of CPK, discussed the project's scale and integration:
«Integrating such major investments as the construction of the airport, high-speed rail, and access roads will be a huge challenge, including in terms of staff.»
Mikołaj Wild, former CEO of CPK, emphasized sustainability:
«CPK has been committed to fighting climate change and supporting a shared green future from the very beginning... making CPK the first ‘Net-Zero Ready’ airport in the region when it is launched.»
Key facts about the Solidarity Transport Hub (CPK):
Location: Near Baranów, 40 km west of Warsaw
Opening: Planned for 2032
Initial passenger capacity: 34 million per year
Long-term capacity: Up to 65 million by 2060
Architects: Foster + Partners and Buro Happold
Projected new rail lines: 2,000 km (high-speed and conventional)
Project cost: Estimated at €30 billion
Travel time to Warsaw: 15 minutes by high-speed rail
Jobs created: Estimated 150,000
Dual-use: Designed for both civilian and military operations
Facts about 10 main airports in Poland today
Here are the main airports in Poland currently operating as of 2025, before the opening of the Solidarity Transport Hub (CPK):
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Location: Warsaw
Passengers (2023): ~15.8 million
Notes: Poland’s busiest and primary international gateway. Close to capacity limits. Will be replaced for most long-haul traffic by CPK in the future.
Hub for: LOT Polish Airlines
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Location: Kraków
Passengers (2023): ~9.4 million
Notes: Poland’s second-largest airport, serving southern Poland and a major destination for tourism and business travel.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)
Location: Gdańsk
Passengers (2023): ~5.5 million
Notes: Major airport for the Tri-City area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot) and northern Poland.
Katowice International Airport (KTW)
Location: Pyrzowice (Upper Silesia region)
Passengers (2023): ~5.3 million
Notes: Important for charter traffic and budget airlines. Serves a dense population and industrial region.
Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO)
Location: Wrocław
Passengers (2023): ~3.9 million
Notes: Fast-growing airport with strong Ryanair and low-cost presence. Serves western Poland.
Poznań–Ławica Airport (POZ)
Location: Poznań
Passengers (2023): ~2.5 million
Notes: Mid-size regional airport serving central-western Poland.
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (RZE)
Location: Rzeszów
Passengers (2023): ~950,000
Notes: Growing importance due to U.S. and NATO military presence nearby.
Lublin Airport (LUZ)
Location: Świdnik (Lublin region)
Passengers (2023): ~370,000
Notes: Small but strategically located for eastern Poland.
Szczecin–Goleniów Airport (SZZ)
Location: Near Szczecin
Passengers (2023): ~400,000
Notes: Serves the northwest region and part of the Baltic coast.
Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BZG)
Location: Bydgoszcz
Passengers (2023): ~280,000
Notes: Smaller regional airport with domestic and some international flights.
