President of Modlin on the construction of the CPK: “It's an opportunity for us, not a threat”

Tomasz Szymczak emphasizes that smaller ports will handle other traffic, mainly low-cost and charter, which creates development prospects for them. Modlin Airport is planning to expand the terminal and new gates.

President of Modlin about CPK

– The construction of the future central airport for Poland does not exclude the existence of regional airports. Generally, this airport may be more expensive than regional airports that cater to slightly different traffic. So, complementarily, airports will exist not only in Mazovia, in central Poland, but also more broadly, in the impact zone of the future central airport, because they will handle slightly different traffic. As we know, the heads of many low-cost carriers in Europe do not see their activity at the new central airport, but rather want to have, like everywhere in Europe and the world, a dedicated infrastructure for themselves, said Tomasz Szymczak.

Decisions regarding CPK coming soon

CPK became a hot topic after the change of government in October 2023. Decisions regarding the future of the project, which is to be built between Warsaw and Łódź, are to be made soon. Concerns about the impact of the new hub on regional airports are often discussed, but the Modlin authorities are calm about the future of the port, which will be in the CPK impact zone.

In recent years, airports in Gdańsk, Kraków, Katowice, Wrocław and Poznań have developed significantly, playing an important role in the regions. In 2023, regional airports served 33.2 million passengers, which is a 12% increase compared to 2019. Forecasts for the future are optimistic – according to the CAA, in 2040 Polish airports will serve 96.4 million passengers, including over 50 million regional ones.

Investments in Modlin

Modlin plans further investments, including the expansion of the terminal, increasing the number of parking aprons and building a new runway. The airport authorities also see potential in cargo transport.

CPK is to become Poland's main transport hub, connecting air, rail and road traffic, located between Warsaw and Łódź.