Poland is building a £27 billion mega-airport, Port Polska, designed to rival global hubs like London Heathrow and Dubai International Airport. Located about 25 miles west of Warsaw, the project covers 3,000 hectares—more than twice the size of Heathrow—and is set to open its first phase by the end of 2032.
Massive Scale and Capacity
The airport, formerly known as Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), has been rebranded as Port Polska. The entire programme, including rail and road infrastructure, is expected to cost around 131 billion Polish złoty (£25-£27 billion). Initially, it will feature two 3,800-metre runways spaced 2.5 kilometres apart, with land reserved for two additional runways if demand grows.
When it opens, Port Polska is expected to handle between 34 million and 40 million passengers annually. By 2060, capacity could rise to 65 million, with a long-term masterplan allowing for up to 100 million passengers each year.
Integrated Transport Hub
Unlike many existing airports, Port Polska is designed as a major transport hub combining an international airport, high-speed rail station, upgraded roads, and commercial centres. Passengers will be able to step off a plane directly onto high-speed trains running beneath the terminal.
The new rail network will include 1,600 to 2,000 kilometres of track, cutting journey times dramatically. Warsaw will be just 15 minutes away, while cities like Kraków, Poznań, and Gdańsk will be reachable in around two hours.
Construction Timeline and Design
The Polish government first approved the airport in 2017. Final construction designs were completed and submitted in late 2024 by a consortium led by British architecture firm Foster+Partners and engineering company Buro Happold. Preparatory groundworks are due to begin in autumn 2026, with the first phase opening by the end of 2032.
Strategic Advantages
Port Polska’s location away from densely populated urban areas allows for 24-hour operations with fewer noise restrictions than many European airports. Project leaders believe it could reduce pressure on other major hubs like Heathrow, which has faced years of debate over runway expansion.
Alongside passenger services, Port Polska is expected to become an air cargo hub connecting Central Europe with global supply chains. The project is also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs during construction and operation, with construction firms already bidding for contracts.
According to project officials, the airport's design incorporates future growth from the outset, making it a long-term competitor to established global aviation centres.
