Adam Sanocki, Member of the Management Board, PPL S.A., Strategy and Marketing, tells International Airport Review how bold investments and strategic infrastructure priorities are removing barriers to airport growth and strengthening aviation’s role in Poland.
Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) Airport, located 37km west of Warsaw in Poland, is said to be one of the most ambitious airport infrastructure projects in Europe, costing £27bn.
c: CPK Airport
Poland’s aviation industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom and is emerging as one of the key drivers of the national economy. The figures speak for themselves. In 2024, Polish airports recorded growth rates twice as high as the European average. In the first half of 2025, passenger traffic in Poland grew 3.5 times faster than across EU airports. This momentum peaked in September 2025: European air traffic increased by 3.6% year-on-year, while Poland posted a surge of 13.2%. Such impressive growth underscores that Poland is now at the forefront of Europe’s passenger aviation market.
Each additional passenger translates into an estimated GDP increase of around €2,440 per year (PLN 10,500) — evidence of aviation’s strong multiplier effect.
What does this rapid expansion mean in practice? In 2024, the total economic impact of Polish airports reached an estimated €13.4 billion in gross value added (PLN 57.9 billion). The aviation sector supports more than 500,000 jobs, covering direct employment at airports, indirect jobs across the supply chain, induced jobs driven by employee spending, and catalytic jobs linked to tourism and investment. These are tangible jobs and incomes for Polish families. Each additional passenger translates into an estimated GDP increase of around €2,440 per year (PLN 10,500) — evidence of aviation’s strong multiplier effect. Airports are therefore not only a gateway to the world for travellers and business, but also a major growth pole for the entire national economy.
These results are no coincidence: they are the outcome of bold investment decisions combined with favourable market conditions. Poland is currently implementing the largest investment programme in the history of its airport sector — over €11.6 billion has been earmarked for airport infrastructure development (PLN 50+ billion). This includes approximately €10.0 billion for the airport component of the Central Communication Port (CPK) (PLN ~43 billion), and €1.9–2.1 billion planned for the modernisation of Warsaw Chopin Airport and the expansion of regional airports (PLN 8–9 billion). These are substantial resources that will increase capacity, modernise terminals and improve service quality — in short, prepare Polish airports for a doubling of passenger numbers over the next two decades.
The Sopot Declaration: aviation as a strategic priority
Aviation’s growing role has now been recognised at the highest level. The Sopot Declaration 2025 — a 23-point set of recommendations for the Polish government adopted after this year’s European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI), one of Poland’s flagship conferences — explicitly identifies aviation, for the first time in history, as one of Poland’s strategic priorities. The Declaration’s authors (government representatives, business leaders and experts) called for airport operators and key aviation companies to be recognised as strategic state-owned entities, reflecting the role of airports in national security and long-term development. They also highlighted the need to streamline investment pathways, so that airport infrastructure projects can be delivered faster and more efficiently. This is a clear signal that both the state and business see the urgency of removing administrative barriers that could otherwise constrain further airport growth.
Airports are not just a business: they are the bloodstream of a modern economy, a critical component of the national security system, and a key integrator of the country’s transport network.
Why does this matter? Recognising airports as strategically significant infrastructure implies, among other things, priority treatment for airport investments, a stable legal and regulatory environment, and stronger institutional support. Never before has aviation been included so explicitly as a strategic area in official post-conference recommendations — evidence of a real shift in thinking about the sector. Airports are not just a business: they are the bloodstream of a modern economy, a critical component of the national security system, and a key integrator of the country’s transport network. The Sopot Declaration is a milestone in strengthening aviation’s role in Poland.
It is also worth noting that the Declaration carries additional weight given the context of the event at which it was drafted. EFNI is one of the most important economic congresses in this part of Europe — an annual forum where senior representatives of government (including the Prime Minister of Poland) debate the future of Poland and the European Union with business leaders. EFNI is organised by Lewiatan Confederation, Poland’s largest employers’ federation, of which Polskie Porty Lotnicze (PPL) S.A. is also a member. Moreover, PPL has its representative on the Lewiatan Confederation’s Main Council, ensuring that the aviation sector’s voice is present in the organisation’s policy discussions. This demonstrates that aviation actively contributes to the public–private dialogue shaping Poland’s development agenda. The fact that EFNI 2025 produced recommendations promoting aviation is therefore a success for the entire ecosystem, the outcome of a shared position between government and business.
Seizing the window of opportunity
Polish aviation is at a pivotal moment. The pace of growth in traffic and operational capability outperforms most EU countries, and the sector has demonstrated resilience even amid the global disruptions of recent years. We have a unique opportunity to convert today’s favourable conditions into a lasting competitive advantage. Poland should use this period of prosperity to strengthen the aviation sector for decades to come.
What does this mean in practice? First, the consistent delivery of ongoing investments, so that new airports and upgraded regional facilities are completed on schedule and with sufficient spare capacity. Second, procedural acceleration — fast-track administrative processes and supportive regulation will speed up infrastructure expansion. Third, a commitment to sustainability — investment in greener airports and innovative technologies will allow the sector to stay ahead of European standards. Finally, continued close co-operation between public administration and business is essential to anticipate and address emerging challenges (such as environmental requirements or security issues, including drone threats) before they become binding constraints.
Aviation is often called an “economic barometer”— when air traffic thrives, the economy is usually performing well. Today, Polish aviation not only reflects Poland’s economic strength, but actively fuels it. With support from both government and business, the aviation sector can become a locomotive of innovation and growth. The sector is positioned to succeed — provided we do not waste this opportunity. The bold investment decisions have already been taken; what matters now is efficient execution. If we maintain today’s growth trajectory and implement the Sopot Declaration’s recommendations, Polish skies will remain among Europe’s leaders for years to come.
Adam Sanocki, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer (CSMO) of Polish Airports is an experienced manager and business & communication advisor. He has held executive positions and served on supervisory boards of numerous Polish and international organisations as well as consulting companies. He has extensive experience in the implementation of strategic projects and in providing advisory support to companies, public institutions, and non-governmental organisations. He is an expert in developing communication strategies, risk management, crisis communication, and supporting sales processes. Recognised for successfully completed restructuring projects in the industrial and infrastructure sectors. A passionate follower of new trends in communication. Former journalist and experienced press spokesperson. He has been associated with the aviation sector for over 20 years, having collaborated with entities such as the Solidarity Transport Hub Poland (CPK) and Lockheed Martin.
He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Silesia and completed an Executive MBA programme at the University of Warsaw.
