Kraków Airport has signed a deal with Mostostal Warszawa to build the first part of its new passenger terminal. The contract is worth 537.7 million PLN net, and it officially kicks off the biggest construction project in the airport’s history. The wider investment programme behind it is valued at over 4.2 billion PLN and will run for the next several years.
The works will focus on T6, a completely new western section of the terminal. Passengers should be able to use it from mid-2029.
What the new T6 will look like
The new wing will cover 44,500 square metres across four floors, including one underground level. Travellers flying from Kraków will get:
- 11 additional boarding gates
- three new piers with jet bridges
- a much larger retail and dining area on the first floor
- a two-level Business Lounge serving both departing and arriving passengers
- a green roof and rooftop photovoltaic panels
- a grey water recovery system
A dedicated underground delivery corridor will handle restocking and waste collection, so service traffic stays out of the passenger zones. The lower level will also house storage rooms, technical facilities, and staff areas for handling agents.
Why the expansion is needed now
In 2025, Kraków Airport handled 13.2 million passengers, up 19.5% year-on-year. That growth earned it the title of the fastest-growing large airport in Europe in its category, according to ACI Europe. Traffic in 2026 is expected to climb past 15 million.
Earlier expansion plans, drawn up by the previous management board, assumed the airport would top out at 12 million passengers a year. Those numbers have already been overtaken, so the project was redesigned to aim much higher.
„Kraków Airport is Poland’s largest regional airport and, according to ACI rankings, a leader in growth among European airports,” said Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak at the signing ceremony. „That position brings not only pride but also the responsibility of making sure our infrastructure keeps up with passenger numbers.”
Łukasz Strutyński, CEO of Kraków Airport, described the T6 project as the largest infrastructure investment the airport has ever undertaken.
Three phases, no shutdown
The full expansion has been planned in three modular phases, with the airport remaining fully operational throughout:
- T6 (western wing) — handover planned for mid-2029
- T7 (eastern wing) — built on the site of the old cargo terminal
- T5 (modernisation) — refurbishment of the current terminal, which will link the two new wings
Once all three phases are complete in 2032, the airport will be able to handle up to 4,400 passengers per hour, or around 20 million per year, while maintaining the IATA „Optimum” service standard for both departures and arrivals.
The current VIP Terminal will be relocated during construction. A temporary facility of around 600 square metres will be built near the supporting terminal to ensure VIP passengers are still served comfortably while works are underway.
How Mostostal won the tender
Several of Poland’s biggest construction companies submitted offers for Phase One. Mostostal Warszawa’s bid of 537 million PLN net came in ahead of Mirbud and a consortium of Strabag and Zio-Max. After Mirbud appealed to the National Appeals Chamber (KIO), the panel dismissed the appeal in April, opening the way for the contract to be signed.
Site preparation works will begin shortly, with the airport committing to keeping passenger experience smooth throughout the build.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Kraków Airport terminal be ready?
The new T6 western wing is scheduled to open in mid-2029. The full terminal expansion, including the eastern wing (T7) and the modernisation of the existing terminal (T5), will be completed by 2032.
How many passengers will Kraków Airport handle after the expansion?
Once all three phases are finished, Kraków Airport will be able to handle up to 4,400 passengers per hour, which translates to around 20 million passengers per year, both arriving and departing.
Who is building the new terminal at Kraków Airport?
Mostostal Warszawa S.A. won the public tender for Phase One and signed the contract for the T6 western wing. Their winning bid was 537.7 million PLN net.
How big will the new T6 terminal be?
The new western wing will cover 44,500 square metres across four floors, including one underground level. It will add 11 boarding gates and three jet bridges.
Will Kraków Airport stay open during construction?
Yes. The expansion has been designed as a modular, three-phase project specifically so the airport can remain fully operational. Passengers will continue to use existing facilities while new sections are being built.
Why is Kraków Airport expanding the terminal?
Passenger numbers have grown far faster than earlier plans assumed. In 2025, the airport served 13.2 million passengers, up 19.5% from the previous year, making it the fastest-growing large airport in Europe according to ACI Europe. Traffic in 2026 is expected to exceed 15 million.
What is the total cost of the Kraków Airport investment plan?
The wider investment programme includes 19 projects with a combined value of over 4.2 billion PLN. The T6 terminal expansion alone is worth 537.7 million PLN net.
What will happen to the VIP Terminal during construction?
A temporary VIP facility of around 600 square metres will be built near the supporting terminal so VIP passengers continue to receive comfortable service throughout the build.