Poland is preparing to launch one of Europe’s most ambitious aviation projects, with construction on its new flagship airport scheduled to begin in September 2026. Known as Port Polska, the development is expected to transform air travel in Central Europe and eventually compete with some of the world's busiest airports, including London Heathrow and Dubai International.

Previously known as Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), the airport will become one of the largest transport hubs on the continent once completed. The massive project is estimated to cost £27 billion and forms part of a wider plan to modernize Poland's transport infrastructure.

The first phase of construction will focus on preparing the airport's foundations. Polish construction company Budimex has been awarded this contract, with work expected to begin in September 2026. This stage is valued at approximately £28.6 million and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Photo: CPK/Foster + Partners

The airport's terminal has been designed by internationally renowned architectural firms Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, whose proposals received official approval in late 2025. The designers are well known for delivering major transport projects worldwide, and the new terminal is expected to become one of the most advanced airport facilities in Europe.

When Port Polska opens in 2032, it will feature two runways capable of supporting more than 300,000 flights annually. The airport will initially operate with a single passenger terminal covering approximately 450,000 square meters, making it almost three times the size of the terminal at Warsaw Chopin Airport.

The terminal will be divided across three floors to improve passenger flow. The upper level will accommodate check-in facilities, baggage drop, security screening, and Schengen departures and arrivals. The middle level will mainly serve non-Schengen passengers, including passport control and transfer facilities, while the ground level will include coach connections, baggage reclaim, and the main arrivals area.

Photo: CPK/Foster + Partners

Future expansion is already included in the master plan, with proposals for both a third and potentially a fourth runway as passenger demand increases.

Beyond aviation, the development includes a major investment in rail transport. More than 1,000 miles of new high-speed railway lines are planned, with the airport's railway station expected to be completed by 2029.

During its first phase of operation, Port Polska is expected to accommodate approximately 11,000 passengers per hour, equivalent to around 34 million passengers annually. As the airport expands, annual passenger numbers could exceed 60 million by 2040.

Photo: CPK/Foster + Partners

For comparison, London Heathrow Airport currently handles around 84.5 million passengers each year, while Dubai International Airport (DXB) recently recorded more than 95 million annual travelers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

The airport's rebranding from Centralny Port Komunikacyjny to Port Polska was announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in late 2025. The new name is intended to give the project a stronger national identity and position it as a gateway to Central Europe.

Once completed, Port Polska is expected to become one of Europe's most modern airports, strengthening Poland's position as a key international aviation and transportation hub for decades to come.