New Central Polish Airport (Solidarity Transport Hub)

The New Central Polish Airport (Warsaw)/Solidarity Transport Hub Poland is a proposed airport to be developed on a site in the Baranów commune. The project has been subject of debate since 2006, with the government planning for a USD6-7.1 billion facility. The new airport is expected become the hub of LOT Polish Airlines.

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Feb-2024.

Plans for the Central Polish Airport and multi-modal complex will be rethought by the new Polish government headed by Donald Tusk. In Jan-2024, the entire board of the proposed Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) Airport project was dismissed, along with CEO Mikolaj Wild. The previous government had planned an initial opening date in 2028, with an initial capacity for 40 million annual passengers and two runways. The government has nominated Filip Czernicki, former head of Polish Airports State Enterprise until 2017, to chair a new CPK supervisory board.

Oct-2023.

24-Oct-2023. New Central Polish Airport (CPK) selected Vinci Airports and IFM Global Infrastructure Fund as the preferred bidder in the competition for a strategic investor on 13-Oct-2023. The process of acquiring an investor was launched in mid 2022. The investor is expected to contribute a minority share of the capital necessary for the construction of the airport, and to support the implementation of the investment and operating the airport after completion. 60% of the financing for the construction of the airport is to be obtained in the form of debt financing and 40% is to come from investors taking shares in CPK. The minority part of this capital is the subject of the selected bid. Poland will retain control of the strategic infrastructure by taking a stake of no less than 51% in CPK. As a result of the construction phasing, CPK managed to reduce initial capital expenditures by 16%. The acquisition of up to 49% of shares will mean attracting approximately PLN8 billion (EUR1.79 billion) of direct investment to Poland. The process does not allow for the privatisation of shares in PPL Polish Airports SE or Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport. 

12-Oct-2023. New Central Polish Airport (CPK) stated the CPK project incorporates energy efficient measures, such as the use of renewable energy sources, geothermal heating and cooling, and smart and efficient energy systems, to ensure the airport's net zero vision once operational in 2028. Details include:

• Circulatory system of the CPK infrastructure is based on a precisely designed, high voltage power installation;
• Power installation will be fully hybrid, allowing simplified operation and low maintenance cost;
• Estimated power load will be in the 150-250mW range during the peak phase;
• Power system will be supplied by two independent 400/110/15kV and 110/110/15kV sources;
• Photovoltaic installations; 
• Building heating and cooling will be provided by Ambient loop 5th generation energy system to provide a complete transition to renewable and zero carbon energy sources.

11-Oct-2023. New Central Polish Airport signed a PLN15.5 million (EUR3.42 million) contract with JSK Architekci for the design of a 105m tall air traffic control tower. JSK Architekci will also provide the necessary approvals and building permits, and consultancy during the proceedings of construction work. The design is scheduled to be complete in 1Q2024.

Sep-2023. New Central Polish Airport environmental analysis office director Jarosław Bodulski, in an editorial, said the airport project focuses on sustainability and stated: "We have incorporated sustainable design and construction practices into every aspect of the project". Mr Bodulski added: "Our project aligns with the goals of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, particularly in terms of boosting passenger and rail freight services, ensuring zero emission transport on shorter routes, and supporting multimodal transport solutions". Sustainability features of the new airport include:

• Use of renewable solar energy, geothermal heating and cooling;
• Water resources are sustainably managed through rainwater harvesting and on site treatment plants to reuse non potable water for irrigation, and flushing and process systems, including heating, cooling and ventilation;
• Use of local and regional materials, low carbon concrete and recycled composites in the construction phase;
• Electric vehicle chargers and zero emission vehicles for ground operations.

Aug-2023. New Central Polish Airport announced the contract for construction of the airport's terminal will include:

• 400,000sqm terminal building;
• Connection with other facilities of the multimodal transport hub;
• Construction of railway station.

The contract will also include options for additional construction including a multi storey car park, baggage handling system, elevators, moving walkways and aerobridges. 

Jul-2023.

26-Jul-2023. Poland's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued preliminary authorisation for the establishment of New Central Polish Airport. The issuance confirms permission to construct the airport will be granted once legal requirements have been met.

10-Jul-2023. Poland's Environmental Protection Agency granted approval for the construction of New Central Polish Airport.

06-Jul-2023. New Central Polish Airport approved the concept design for the new airport, which illustrates the terminal, main railway station and public transport interchange. The concept design was prepared by British consortium Foster + Partners and Buro Happold. The airport project will now start development of the construction stage. The first phase of the airport, which includes infrastructure to handle 40 million passengers p/a, is expected to be operational in 2028. Highlights of the plan include:

• An atrium that connects the airport terminal, railway station and other modes of transport under a single canopy;
• Passenger terminal of 400,000sqm, located on two levels, with Schengen and non-Schengen security checks;
• Railway station with six underground platforms and access to 12 tracks;
• Self service check in stations, self bag drop and kiosks with biometric capabilities;
• Fully automated security and document control with CT scanners and automated gates.

04-Jul-2023. New Central Polish Airport presented its master plan for development, with highlights including:

• Two parallel 3800m runways upon launch;
• Multimodal passenger terminal including a railway station;
• Land reserved for construction of third runway in second phase of development;
• Airport to launch with net zero emissions operations, via measures including zero emission ground vehicles and renewable energy generation.

Jun-2023. New Central Polish Airport received approval from Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure for its master plan for development until the end of 2060. Highlights of the plan include:

• Two parallel runways and a terminal with capacity to handle 40 million passengers p/a upon launch in 2028;
• Total site area of 2150 hectares on launch;
• Three parallel runways and terminal with capacity to handle 65 million passengers p/a in 2060;
• Site area extended to 3900 hectares by 2060.

Feb-2023. New Central Polish Airport invited bids for consultancy services ahead of preparatory construction work. The services will include market potential analysis, tender and contract creation and risk distribution analysis. The deadline for submitting applications is 06-Feb-2022. 

Jan-2023. Foster+Partners and Buro Happold appointed Portland Design as retail design partner for the New Central Polish Airport construction project.

Dec-2022. New Central Polish Airport selected 13 entities, including nine companies and four consortia, to design support infrastructure including a control tower, operations centre and firefighting facilities. Contracts for the design of facilities including hotels, offices retail facilities, cargo terminals and car parks will be awarded in Jan-2023.

Nov-2022. New Central Polish Airport awarded a consortium of Foster + Partners and Buro Happold Limited a EUR150 million master architect contract for the new airport project. The contract includes designing the passenger terminal building, railway station and public transport interchange, as well as participating in consultations with key stakeholders and potential general contractors. Concept design for key buildings is expected to be delivered by mid 2023, with the aim of designing an airport capable of handling 40 million passengers p/a upon commencing operations in 2028.

Oct-2020. Poland's Deputy Infrastructure Minister Marcin Horała reported the Polish Council of Ministers allocated PLN13 billion (EUR2.8 billion) for design, preparatory works, land buyouts and commencement of investments for the start of development of Solidarity Transport Hub Poland under a multi-year financial programme.

Sep-2020. Solidarity Transport Hub Poland government plenipotentiary Marcin Horała reiterated that commercial activities at the airport will begin in 2027. Mr Horała also reported that land acquisition for the construction of the airport will begin in 2020.

Dec-2019. Solidarity Transport Hub Poland president Mikołaj Wild stated the priority will be to start construction works on the airport in 2023.

May-2019. New Central Polish Airport reported head of communications and PR Konrad Majszyk said the company plans to launch the second stage of strategic consultations of the new airport with carriers, infrastructure managers, handling companies, cargo operators, forwarding companies and fuel suppliers in Jul-2019.

Dec-2018. Poland's 'Central Transportation Port LLC' special purpose entity (SPE) was registered with the country's National Court Register. The new entity will be responsible for construction of New Central Polish Airport.

Nov-2018. New Central Polish Airport special purpose entity (SPE) president Jacek Bartosiak said New Central Polish Airport will require a variety of funding sources. Mr Bartosiak said the airport division of the hub is expected to be profitable and major financing problems are not anticipated. Mr Bartosiak noted financing for railway services operating to the airport will be more complex, with options including EU funding. Mr Bartosiak added the development of an airport city requires a well-prepared development plan that accounts for the needs of investors.

May-2018.

25-May-2018. Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure Secretary of State Mikołaj Wild identified a general location on which New Central Polish Airport plans to be erected. Project technical advisor Arup identified Baranów, Grodzisk Mazowiecki and Tarczyn communes as potential construction sites, with a 66.2 sq km area within Baranów commune chosen as the area in which the airport will be ultimately located. A definitive location decision within the specified area is expected to be made following finalisation of environmental analysis after 2020.

14-May-2018. Poland's Parliament voted in favour of an act for construction of New Central Polish Airport. The airport aims to serve up to 45 million p/a after phase one of construction, ultimately increasing to 100 million p/a. The airport, located between Łódź and Warsaw, will be constructed on around 3000 hectares of land, with preparatory works scheduled in 2019. Construction will span eight years with completion scheduled for 2027.

Feb-2018. Poland Minister of Infrastructure and Development Andrzej Adamczyk stated priorities for the Ministry in 2018 include New Central Polish Airport.

Nov-2017

07-Nov-2017. Poland's Council of Ministers adopted the draft resolution for preparation to construct New Central Polish Airport. Preparatory works are scheduled for completion by the end of 2019, while the airport is scheduled to open in 2027. 

Nov-2017. Poland's Treasury Undersecretary of State and Secretary of State for the Prime Minister's Office Mikolaj Wild confirmed the Council of Ministers will consider adopting the draft resolution for the construction of New Central Polish Airport on 07-Nov-2017. Mr Wild expects works on architectural concepts to commence by mid-2018, and environmental and land procedures to be completed by 2019. The facility is expected to require investment between PLN31 billion (EUR7.3 billion) to PLN35 billon (EUR8.3 billion), with capacity to handle 45 million passengers p/a.

Sep-2017. Poland's Treasury Undersecretary of State and Secretary of State for the Prime Minister's Office Mikolaj Wild stated he has been tasked to "submit a draft resolution that would approve the concept of building" New Central Polish Airport in Stanisławów, located within the Baranów municipality.

Jul-2017. Poland's Undersecretary of State for the Treasury Mikolaj Wild stated a firm location for New Central Polish Airport is likely to be determined in the beginning of Sep-2017.

Jun-2017. Poland's Undersecretary of State for the Treasury Mikolaj Wild said the Federal Cabinet expects to receive a draft resolution on the financing structure and location of New Central Polish Airport by the end of Jul-2017. Mr Wild also estimated the cost of the facility to be around PLN30 billion (EUR7.1 billion/USD8.1 billion) including a rail station, and construction to be complete by mid-2027.

May-2017. New Central Polish Airport will initially handle 50 million passengers p/a, later expanding to accommodate 100 million, according to Undersecretary of State Mikołaj Wild.

Mar-2017. 

30-Mar-2017. Poland's Undersecretary of State for Infrastructure and Development Jerzy Szmit said a draft resolution is in the process of being forwarded to the Polish Council of Ministers Economic Committee, in regards to construction of New Central Polish Airport.

16-Mar-2017. Poland's Minister of Infrastructure and Construction Andrzej Adamczyk confirmed plans to recommend construction of New Central Polish Airport to the Komitet Ekonomiczny Rady Ministrów (Polish Council of Ministers Economic Committee). Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MIB) said the approximate timeframe for the project would be 10 years.

14-Mar-2017. Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MIB) plans to approve construction of New Central Polish Airport within a few days. The airport would replace Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, and could see rejection of Warsaw Modlin Airport's expansion application.

06-Mar-2017. Poland's Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship Jerzy Leszczynski submitted a letter to the Polish Federal Government, inquiring whether federal funding would be available for a regional airport in the Podlasie province. Polish Undersecretary of State for Infrastructure and Development Jerzy Szmit has stated two of the options in the referendum, including the most popular options of New Suwalki Airport or expansion of Bialystok Krywlany Airport, would be redundant if Poland moves forward with construction of New Central Polish Airport.

Jan-2017. 

27-Jan-2017. Poland's Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MIB) Undersecretary of State Jerzy Szmit projected the New Central Polish Airport to require investment from PLN30 billion (EUR6.9 billion/USD7.3 billion) to PLN40 billion (EUR9.2 billion/USD9.8 billion).

03-Jan-2017. Poland's Minister of Infrastructure and Construction Andrzej Adamczyk stated a political decision will be made on the construction of an airport between Lodz and Warsaw during 2017. Investment in the Central Airport would be dependent on the adoption of a new Transport Policy by the Government. The cost of building a new airport is currently estimated at PLN25 billion (EUR5.7 billion/USD6 billion) to PLN30 billion (EUR6.8 billion/USD7.1 billion). The plan would be for the airport to become the hub of LOT Polish Airlines. Construction would take a minimum of eight years.