Construction design for the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) airport, along with a railway station and public transport interchange in central Poland, has been finalised, paving the way for construction to commence in 2026. The master architect consortium has handed over the design to the CPK company, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious project.
“This is another milestone in the construction and launch of the new airport,” said Maciej Lasek, government commissioner for CPK. “This investment will drive Poland’s economic growth and strengthen the market position of the national carrier, LOT Polish Airlines.”
Located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from central Warsaw, the new airport is anticipated to serve as a long-term replacement for Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), though both airports are expected to operate simultaneously once CPK opens. The project faced a review following a change in government last December, but plans will proceed as originally outlined.
The airport’s planned passenger terminal will cover approximately 450,000 square meters and will feature three distinct levels for different operational zones, including Schengen and Non-Schengen areas. With an anticipated peak capacity of 11,000 passengers per hour, the terminal will initially offer 140 check-in desks, with the potential to expand to 170 desks in the future.
Upon its opening in 2032, the CPK airport aims to accommodate up to 34 million passengers annually—significantly higher than WAW, which served around 18.5 million passengers in 2023. Construction will begin with the north and central piers, with additional piers added based on updated traffic forecasts.
“CPK is a unique opportunity to design a completely new airport from scratch,” said Grant Brooker, Head of Studio at architecture firm Foster + Partners. “Our goal was to create accessible, intuitive, and passenger-friendly infrastructure that ensures comfort, short transfer times, and a positive travel experience. Our design is focused on passengers and their needs.”
In addition to air travel, CPK will integrate multiple modes of transportation, including rail and bus, with estimates suggesting that up to half of the airport’s passengers will arrive by train. The terminal will feature 27 stands for narrowbody aircraft and 23 for widebody aircraft, including 18 flexible stands that can accommodate either two narrowbodies or one widebody.
The CPK master architect consortium comprises renowned design studios Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, along with over 30 other companies from various sectors. Nearly 500 designers have collaborated on the multidisciplinary design of the terminal, railway station, and bus station, ensuring a comprehensive approach to this major infrastructure project.
SOURCE: Airports International
IMAGE CREDIT: 3D Rendering: CPK/Foster + Partners