Summary
Warsaw Chopin Airport (IATA: WAW, ICAO: EPWA) is Poland’s busiest airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from the centre of Warsaw. Opened in 1934, it was originally named Okęcie Airport after the district in which it is situated. During World War II, the airport was heavily damaged but was rebuilt and reopened in 1945. It has since evolved into a modern hub for both domestic and international air traffic, adopting its current name in 2001 to honour composer Frédéric Chopin.
Current Operations and Airline Operators
Aldo Bidini (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons
Handling over 15 million passengers annually, Warsaw Chopin Airport serves as the primary hub for LOT Polish Airlines, which operates an extensive network of European and long-haul routes, including destinations in North America and Asia.
Other major carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Qatar Airways operate here, connecting Poland to key global hubs. Low-cost carriers, including Smartwings, Wizz Air and Ryanair, also serve the airport, providing competitive options for short-haul travel.
Interesting Facts
LOT 787 SP-LRA
Warsaw Chopin Airport is a critical hub for LOT’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner operations, with the airline using these aircraft on its long-haul routes. Additionally, the airport is a key base for cargo operations, with carriers like DHL and FedEx regularly utilizing its facilities. For aviation enthusiasts, the airport offers opportunities to spot a mix of modern airliners, rare charter flights, and military movements, as it shares airspace with nearby military bases.
Airport Layout
The airport features two intersecting runways (11/29 and 15/33) and a single terminal split into Schengen and non-Schengen sections, making it a convenient gateway for international travellers. Its proximity to Warsaw’s city center and efficient rail and bus links further enhance its accessibility.
Warsaw Airport Spotting Locations
- Runway 29
Easy to walk to from the terminal (or drive; there is parking available), this spot is alongside the end of runway 29 and between the two cargo areas. You have views through the fence of aircraft taxying past or arriving on the runway. From the airport, head east on Wiktora Narkiewicza (don’t join the main motorway). Turn south on Wirazowa and after a short distance turn right where you see the blue fence. Follow the road to where you can park by the side of the road and look through the fence. The ‘Terminal Cargo’ bus also runs past here. - Spotter Hill
There is a patch of raised ground next to the end of runway 11 which is great for approach shots. You are above the fence line. To reach this location from the terminal, drive north along 634 (signposted ‘Centrum’), then turn left at the lights towards Krakow/Wroclaw on road 706. At the junction, turn left again for Krakow/Wroclaw. Look out for a large retail complex on your right, with a Burger King restaurant alongside the road. At this point you need to reverse your course, so turn into the retail park and then exit back onto the main road back towards the airport, but turn immediately right along a track next to the perimeter fence. You’ll come to the hill on your right, with rough ground for parking. - Fire Station Viewing Platform
A better spot on the western side of the airport is behind the fire station. There is a raised platform with steps to the top which lifts you above the fence line for great shots of aircraft on runway 11/29. There are also holes cut in the fence at ground level for cameras, and look out for some retired aircraft at the fire station in front of you.
To reach it, park at position 2 and walk south past the airport car park. Just after, a track leads across the fields parallel to the car park directly to the platform.
Warsaw Airport Spotting Hotel
Courtyard Warsaw Airport
Żwirki i Wigury 1, 00-906 Warszawa | +48 22 650 01 00 | www.marriott.com
A large, modern hotel outside the passenger terminal. The terminal buildings largely obstruct any views, but if you secure a top-floor room facing south you can see across to the runways and some of the gates at the southern end of the terminal.
Title image: magro_kr
