Biznes Fakty
Radom Airport: Prospects „Absolutely Dire”
Warsaw-Modlin Airport is experiencing a resurgence, attributed to new routes offered by Ryanair and Wizz Air, while the future for Radom appears grim, stated Adrian Furgalski, president of the TOR Economic Advisory Team. Data from the Civil Aviation Authority indicates that both airports saw a year-on-year decrease in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2025.
The head of the TOR Economic Advisory Team highlighted the link between economic growth and the demand for air travel when discussing the prospects for Polish airports.
„It is consistently shown that as the economy expands and individuals’ wealth increases, there is a nearly corresponding rise in air travel usage. Our aviation sector (…) remains quite young and holds significant potential,” Furgalski remarked.
He emphasized that Polish citizens are not frequent flyers, averaging only 1.6 flights per person each year, with 40% having never flown. Thus, he pointed out, there is considerable potential for growth.
Modlin is back on the „growth trajectory”
The expert observed that nearly all Polish airports are experiencing substantial increases in passenger numbers. Modlin has been an exception, but Furgalski noted that this airport is now resuming its „growth trajectory.”
This July, the Warsaw airport entered into a partnership with Ryanair, which aims to boost the number of flights and passengers handled by the Irish airline from 1.5 million annually to 5 million by 2030. Wizz Air has also declared its return to Modlin after over ten years. Additionally, Air Arabia will begin operating single flights from the airport starting in December. Furgalski remarked that the Warsaw airport is planning for expansion. „The outlook for revitalizing traffic in Modlin appears to be quite promising,” he stated.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport, situated near Warsaw, commenced civilian operations in 2012. Initially, it was utilized by low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. However, operations had to be halted at the end of 2012 due to runway damage. Flights were subsequently transferred to Chopin Airport. After the reopening of Modlin Airport, Ryanair returned, while Wizz Air opted to remain exclusively at Warsaw’s Okęcie airport.
For several years thereafter, the airport’s stakeholders struggled to make decisions regarding the terminal expansion and other projects. Following the agreement with Ryanair this July, the airport announced plans to enhance the terminal from four to eight check-in counters and increase the number of aircraft parking spots to 12 by September 2027. Modlin Airport is also anticipated to create 400 new jobs in areas such as passenger handling, airport security, services, and commerce.
Poor outlook for Radom
However, Furgalski believes the outlook for Radom, set to reopen in 2023 following renovations, is „extremely bleak.” „Every additional flight there is invaluable, but an airport’s existence shouldn’t hinge on hoping for one more flight a week. The airport was established for political motives. It is, as evident, one enormous bottomless pit,” Furgalski assessed.
He added that PPL must now channel funds into expanding Chopin Airport, as it will eventually hold a minority stake in CPK. „This investment will yield far better returns, as it will be directed towards profitable ventures. So, regrettably, Radom has never had any optimistic forecasts,” remarked the president of the TOR Economic Advisory Team.
Radom Airport opened its doors in May 2014. Initially, it offered flights to destinations like Riga and Berlin for a brief period. The city invested PLN 100 million in its establishment. Following the bankruptcy of the municipal company managing Radom Airport in 2018, the airport was purchased by PPL in October 2018 for PLN 12.7 million.
In 2019, renovation work on Radom Airport commenced and was completed in 2023. The airport officially reopened in April 2023. As then-Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated during the inauguration, the Warsaw-Radom airport holds significant economic value as it will alleviate congestion at Warsaw Chopin Airport, act as a backup facility, and attract investment to Radom.
Currently, only LOT Polish Airlines (to Barcelona, Rome, and Preveza during the summer season) and Wizz Air (to Larnaca) provide regular flights from Radom. LOT has yet to establish a winter flight schedule from this airport.
Radom is a „permanently unprofitable airport” PAP When asked by PAP about the potential for further traffic growth at Chopin Airport, Furgalski indicated that it was likely. However, he noted that the specifics of the planned airport
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