Business Aviation Flight Operations in Poland

Poland’s aviation landscape has seen remarkable growth, with a robust airport network enhancing accessibility for travelers. The Central Transport Hub (CPK) is a significant infrastructure initiative designed to further elevate Poland’s aviation capacity and connectivity. From 2013 to 2018, air connectivity surged by 84%, reflecting a burgeoning demand for air travel. In 2023, passenger movements at Polish airports reached an impressive 40 million, up from 18.8 million in 2017. This thriving industry contributes approximately EUR 4 billion to the Polish economy, representing 0.9% of the national GDP, underscoring its vital role in economic development. Top 5 of the Poland’s international airports that provide this interaction are as follows:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (IATA: WAW, ICAO: EPWA)
• Kraków John Paul II International Airport (IATA: KRK, ICAO: EPKK)
• Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (IATA: GDN, ICAO: EPGD)
• Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport IATA: KTW, ICAO: EPKT)
• Wrocław Copernicus Airport (IATA: WRO, ICAO: EPWR)

Warsaw Chopin Airport (IATA: WAW, ICAO: EPWA) International Flight Operations

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) features a single terminal, Terminal A, which is thoughtfully divided into five check-in areas: A, B, C, D, and E. The terminal boasts 45 passenger gates, with 27 equipped with convenient jetways for seamless boarding. Travelers can enjoy a range of amenities, including exchange offices, ATMs, and free shower facilities, enhancing the overall passenger experience. Flight timetable displays and gate number information are readily available, ensuring that travelers stay informed and organized during their journey. Warsaw Chopin Airport is equipped with two primary runways, enhancing its operational capacity and safety.

• Runway 11/29: This runway features an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for precision approaches, supporting ILS Category II operations on Runway 11 and ILS Category IIIa operations on Runway 29, ensuring safe landings in various weather conditions.
• Runway 15/33: Similar to Runway 11/29, this runway is also equipped with ILS, with Runway 33 designated for ILS Category IIIa operations. This advanced system enhances the airport’s ability to handle a high volume of air traffic efficiently and safely.

These statistics highlight the positive trajectory of Warsaw Chopin Airport, reflecting its growing importance in the global aviation network:

• Aircraft Movements: In 2023, Warsaw Chopin Airport recorded a substantial number of aircraft movements, underscoring its critical role in regional and international air travel. This robust activity reflects the airport’s operational efficiency and capacity to accommodate a growing demand.
• Cargo Operations: The airport handled nearly 103.6 thousand tonnes of cargo in 2023, marking a 6% increase compared to 2019. This growth demonstrates the airport’s pivotal position in facilitating trade and logistics in the region.
• Passenger Traffic: Serving approximately 18.5 million passengers in 2023, Warsaw Chopin Airport showcased a strong recovery in traffic post-pandemic, indicating a positive trend in air travel demand.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (IATA: KRK, ICAO: EPKK) International Flight Operations

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) features a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights, has 25 gates—14 for Schengen area flights and 11 for non-Schengen flights. The terminal is equipped with a variety of amenities, including check-in desks, baggage claim belts, banking services, currency exchange, restaurants, bars, a VIP lounge, duty-free shops, and a business center, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) features a single runway, Runway 07/25, which measures 2,550 meters (8,366 feet) in length and 60 meters (197 feet) in width, paved with concrete. To enhance safety and operational efficiency, Runway 25 is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS), facilitating precision approaches for arriving aircraft.

In 2023, Kraków John Paul II International Airport recorded over 32,000 aircraft movements, and this number is projected to increase in 2024, reflecting the airport’s growing traffic. Cargo operations also showed promise, with the airport managing nearly 10,000 tonnes of cargo in 2023 and expected growth in the following year. Passenger numbers reached approximately 8 million in 2023, with forecasts indicating a rise to over 9 million in 2024, highlighting a positive growth trend for the airport.

Slot Coordination and Timing

Polska Agencja Żeglugi Powietrznej (PAŻP) is the authority responsible for slot coordination at Polish airports. Utilizing an Online Coordination System (OCS), PAŻP streamlines the process for airlines to manage their slot requests effectively in arrangement with Just Aviation Team in Poland.

Slot Allocation Process

The allocation of slots is governed by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 95/93 and the IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG). Airlines must submit their slot requests in either Slot Clearance Request (SCR) or General Clearance Request (GCR) format. The coordination levels differentiate between airports: Level 3 airports are fully coordinated, requiring slots for all operations, while Level 2 airports facilitate schedules to mitigate congestion.

Timing and Seasons

Timing is crucial for effective slot management. The summer period operates on UTC + 2 hours, while the winter period is set to UTC + 1 hour. The coordinator’s working hours vary seasonally: during winter, they are available from 06:00 to 18:00 UTC, and in summer from 05:00 to 17:00 UTC. For requests submitted outside these hours, airlines should email designated contacts for assistance.

Required Documentation

For scheduled flights, the required documentation includes a slot request form in SCR or GCR format, a detailed operational schedule, aircraft information, and airline contact details. Non-scheduled flights must provide similar documentation along with flight plans, operator information, and the purpose of the flight.

Feel free to reach out to the Just Aviation team for all slot coordination details and the latest peak time updates, ensuring your operations run smoothly without any interruptions.

Overflight Permits

Overflight permits are required for all non-scheduled flights and certain categories of scheduled flights passing through Polish airspace. Applications must be submitted at least 3 working days before the planned flight.

Documents Required

• Aircraft Registration Certificate: Proof of the aircraft’s registration.
• Airworthiness Certificate: Certification that the aircraft is fit to fly.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance coverage.
• Noise Certificate: Certification of the aircraft’s noise levels.
• Flight Plan: Detailed flight plan including route, timings, and alternate airports.

Application Process

Applications should be sent to the Urząd Lotnictwa Cywilnego (ULC), CAA of Poland, in collaboration with Just Aviation via email. The ULC operates Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00 local time. Overflight permits are typically valid for the specific flight or series of flights for which they are issued.

Landing Permits

Landing permits are mandatory for all non-scheduled flights and certain categories of scheduled flights intending to land at Polish airports. Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days before the planned flight.

Documents Required

• Aircraft Registration Certificate: Proof of the aircraft’s registration.
• Airworthiness Certificate: Certification that the aircraft is fit to fly.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance coverage.
• Noise Certificate: Certification of the aircraft’s noise levels.
• Flight Plan: Detailed flight plan including route, timings, and alternate airports.
• Purpose of Flight: Explanation of the flight’s purpose (e.g., cargo, charter, medical evacuation).

Landing permits are typically valid for the specific flight or series of flights for which they are issued.

Poland International Airports Ground Handling Operations

Just Aviation offers comprehensive ground handling services across Poland’s busiest airports, ensuring seamless and efficient operations for business aviation. At Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), Katowice Wojciech Korfanty Airport (KTW), and Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO), our handling solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of private and corporate aircraft. From ramp services such as aircraft marshaling, pushback, refueling, and de-icing, to passenger and crew assistance like VIP lounge access. We cover all aspects of ground operations with precision and compliance.

We also ensure efficient turnaround times through highly coordinated aircraft handling, utilizing advanced all Ground Service Equipment (GSE) to minimize delays. Our team adheres to strict international standards, including the latest updates from IATA’s Airport Handling Manual (AHM), and complies with local aviation regulations to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable service. By partnering with Just Aviation, operators can focus on their core business while we handle the technical and operational complexities of ground handling at these strategic locations.