Katowice Airport Breaks Records with Six Million Passengers in Poland, Gears Up for Major Growth and Cutting-Edge Infrastructure by 2032

Published on November 29, 2024

Katowice Airport hits a milestone with 6 million passengers, poised for major growth and advanced infrastructure development by 2032 to meet rising demand.

Katowice Airport has achieved a historic milestone, handling six million passengers in a single calendar year for the first time. The milestone passenger, Tomasz from Olkusz, was traveling with his family to Tenerife aboard an Enter Air Boeing 737-800. A frequent traveler through Katowice Airport, Tomasz became the lucky passenger to reach this impressive figure.

In recognition of this achievement, the six-millionth passenger was presented with several gifts. The Upper Silesian Aviation Group (GTL SA), which manages the airport, offered a voucher for the Business Lounge, Fast Track access, and parking. Enter Air awarded Tomasz and his family tickets for two on any of the airline’s flights departing from Katowice. Baltona SA also joined in the celebrations by gifting a cabin-sized suitcase, along with a selection of perfumes and sweets.

Katowice Airport’s growth over the years has been remarkable. It first welcomed one million passengers in 2005, reached two million in 2008, three million in 2015, four million in 2018, and five million in 2023.

Looking ahead, GTL SA forecasts further expansion. With an expected eight million passengers by 2028 and ten million by 2030, the airport is preparing for a surge in traffic. To accommodate this growth, the airport is investing in a major infrastructure overhaul, the largest in its history, with completion slated for 2032. The centerpiece of this program will be a new central passenger terminal, featuring jet bridges and a tunnel leading directly to the “Pyrzowice Lotnisko” (Katowice Airport) train station. Additional upgrades will include a bus and coach transfer hub, a new road system with a Kiss & Fly zone, expanded parking facilities, and a multi-story parking garage. A tender for the design of the new terminal and supporting infrastructure is currently underway, through a competitive dialogue process.

As one of Poland’s largest regional airports, Katowice Airport handled a record 5.6 million passengers in 2023. Projections for 2024 indicate a further increase, with over 6.2 million passengers expected to travel through the airport. Known for its strength in charter traffic and cargo operations, Katowice Wojciech Korfanty International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in Poland’s aviation sector.