Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
History, Facts and Overview

(Warsaw, Poland)

Although the site where Warsaw Chopin Airport currently resides has been used for aviation purposes for around 100 years, it was not until the early thirties that construction began. Opened in 1934 and known then as the Warsaw Okecie Airport, traffic was immediately moved from the nearby airfield at Pole Mokotowskie Park.

Warsaw Okecie Airport began serving civil flights for LOT Polish Airlines and was also used extensively by the Polish Air Force. Following considerable bombing in the Second World War, much of the airport needed to be completely rebuilt and many improvements were made at this time.


By 1970, a new international passenger building had been established and a further terminal was built in 1992, which is no longer in use. At this stage, traffic levels reached more than two million passengers each year. In December 2006, a new arrivals hall was created in Terminal 2 and filled with modern amenities for travellers.

Warsaw Chopin Airport offers six ATMs spread around both arrivals and departures, as well as a banking branch of BHP and a post office. To book hotels, air tours and arrange transport, the onsite tourist information offices will be able to help. Other popular facilities include a room solely used for childcare, a chapel with Sunday mass, a left baggage centre, and an elevated observation deck, where you can sit back, relax and enjoy take-offs and landings.

A large duty-free shopping area is to be found within Warsaw Chopin Airport, where you can purchase a range of Polish souvenirs and alcohol. There are also a couple of good restaurants onsite, along with coffee shops, such as the Café Voyage in the main departures area. Those looking for vending machines (known in Poland as 'automats') will find several in the Etiuda Terminal.