Warsaw is the only city in Poland that has two airports serving passenger traffic: Chopin Airport (WAW) and Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI). Although both airports belong to the Warsaw metropolitan area, they differ in terms of location, size, accessibility, and types of connections served.
In this guide you will find:
- basic information about Chopin Airport and Warsaw-Modlin Airport,
- key differences between the two airports,
- practical advice on how to choose the right airport,
- tips on how to avoid common mistakes,
- fun facts and up-to-date statistical data from 2025, helpful for travel planning.
Basic information about both airports
Chopin Airport in Warsaw (WAW)
This is the largest airport in Poland, serving the vast majority of domestic and international connections.
- Location: Włochy district, about 10 km from central Warsaw, near Mokotów.
- Passenger traffic: over 22 million people annually (data for 2025).
- Terminals: two – Terminal 1 (older, for domestic and European flights) and the modern Terminal 2 (for intercontinental connections).
- Facilities: a wide selection of shops, restaurants, VIP lounges, car rentals, and additional services that ensure comfort for travelers regardless of their waiting time for the flight.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI)
Located in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, about 40 km north of central Warsaw.
- Profile: specializes in serving low-cost airlines and charters.
- Passenger traffic: around 1.2–1.4 million people in the first half of 2025.
- Infrastructure: a single compact airport with one terminal – less developed than WAW, but friendly for passengers traveling with hand luggage.
- Advantages: fast check-ins, ease of movement, and competitive ticket prices.
WAW and WMI codes
Each airport in the world has a unique IATA code, assigned by the International Air Transport Association (International Air Transport Association). These are three-letter abbreviations used in reservation systems, airline tickets, boarding passes, and information boards.
- WAW – the code assigned to Chopin Airport in Warsaw,
- WMI – the code for Warsaw-Modlin Airport.
Knowing the IATA codes is especially useful when booking flights – it helps ensure which airport the journey departs from and prevents mistakes, especially for low-cost airlines that may use different airports within the same city.
Why does Warsaw have two airports?
Chopin Airport, operating since the 1930s, has always served as the main airport of the capital. With the dynamic growth of air traffic and the rising popularity of low-cost airlines, it became necessary to launch an alternative – thus, Warsaw-Modlin Airport was established. Today, both airports complement each other functionally:
- WAW serves passengers expecting comfort and an extensive network of connections,
- WMI offers economical solutions for travelers seeking affordable prices and simple check-ins.
Fun facts about Warsaw airports
Chopin Airport:
- One of the runways is 3,690 m long – enabling it to handle the largest passenger aircraft in the world.
- It was the first airport in Poland with automated passport gates.
- Provides amenities for families, including play zones for children.
Warsaw-Modlin Airport:
- Previously operated as a military airport and was opened for civilian use in 2012.
- Often chosen by film and advertising crews due to lower costs and an intimate character.
- Its small size allows efficient check-in and quick passage through security control.
2025 statistics
- Chopin Airport: over 22 million passengers during the first 11 months of 2025 – a record result in the airport's history.
- Warsaw-Modlin Airport: served around 1.2–1.4 million people during the same period. The decline in passenger numbers is mainly due to limitations in the route network and operational changes by carriers. However, investments in infrastructure and new routes are planned, which may lead to a recovery of traffic in the coming years.
Year | Chopin (WAW) – passengers | Modlin (WMI) – passengers | Source |
2023 | ~18.5 million* | ~3.4 million* | WAW/Modlin annual data (ULC/KNEWS) (www.money.pl) |
2024 | ~21.3 million (record) | ~2.70 million (decline) | WAW record 2024 (eTravel) |
2025 (estimate) | 22+ million (exceeds 22 million in November) | significantly lower traffic in Q1 and downward trend | forecast and Q1 data (eTravel) |
Airlines
✈️ Chopin Airport (WAW)
Main airport in Poland – serves both traditional network airlines and some low-cost carriers, offering domestic, European, and intercontinental flights.
Main airlines:
- LOT Polish Airlines – the national carrier with an extensive network of connections in Europe, the USA, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Ryanair / Buzz – low-cost flights to many cities in Europe.
- Wizz Air – carrier offering regional and European connections.
Other carriers:
- Air France
- British Airways
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
Airport | Type of airline | Example airlines |
WAW – Chopin | Traditional + low-cost | LOT, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, British Airways, KLM, Wizz Air, Ryanair … (Airport Information) |
WMI – Modlin | Primarily low-cost | Ryanair, Wizz Air (from 12/2025), Air Arabia (from 12/2025) (Grokipedia) |
What to do if you mix up the airport?
It happens to the best – if you realize that your connection is from a different airport than you assumed:
- Contact the airline – some offer the option to change the flight or terminal for an additional fee.
- Check express connections – between Warsaw and Warsaw-Modlin Airport, fast buses operate (70-80 minutes) and private transfers (travel time: about 40–60 minutes).
- Consider a taxi or car rental – this may be the most effective solution in emergency situations.
Chopin Airport and Warsaw-Modlin Airport serve different functions in Warsaw’s air infrastructure. WAW is the choice for those who prioritize comfort, quick access, and a wide range of flights. WMI attracts travelers looking for low-cost connections and fast check-in. Knowing the differences between them allows you to plan your trip efficiently and avoid stress.
With this guide, you can choose the airport best suited to your needs – and enjoy a smooth start to every journey.
