Irish carrier Ryanair announced a record investment plan for Poland, involving the opening of new routes from Kraków and strengthening its base in Warsaw. Simultaneously, the strategic company Grupa Azoty gained new leadership with Marcin Celejewski at the helm. These changes coincide with a historic result for Kraków's airport, which in February served over a million passengers for the first time, becoming the fastest-growing airport in Europe.

Ryanair's Expansion in Poland

Announcement of four new routes from Kraków and a record number of flights from Warsaw, supported by additional aircraft and investments.

Change in Leadership at Grupa Azoty

Marcin Celejewski became the new CEO of the chemical giant, announcing a rapid restructuring and consolidation of the company's assets.

Historic Record for Kraków Airport

In February, the airport in Balice served over a million passengers, breaking previous records for capacity and growth dynamics.

Upcoming Flight Restrictions

Restrictions in airspace over eastern Poland will be introduced from March 10, affecting flight routes.

The Polish aviation and chemical industries are undergoing fundamental transformations. Ryanair, the largest airline in the country, announced an ambitious growth strategy for the summer 2026 season. The carrier plans to launch four new routes from Kraków-Balice, including flights to Asia and new European cities. Its presence in Warsaw will also be strengthened, with a record number of operations planned from both Modlin and Chopin Airport. Michael O'Leary confirmed the stationing of additional aircraft at Polish bases, involving multi-million investments in infrastructure and new personnel. Since Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, the low-cost airline sector has become a major driver for the development of regional airports, radically changing the mobility of Poles and the dynamics of inbound tourism.At the same time, temporary terminal tents are planned at Modlin Airport near Warsaw to accommodate growing passenger traffic ahead of planned permanent infrastructure expansion. However, experts warn that increased demand and operational costs may lead to higher ticket prices in the coming months. An additional factor affecting the sector is the announced flight restrictions over eastern Poland, set to take effect on March 10, which will force airlines to modify some flight corridors. 1 mln — passengers served by Kraków Airport in February 2026 aloneSimultaneously, key changes occurred in the industrial sector in Tarnów. The supervisory board of Grupa Azoty appointed a new management board, headed by Marcin Celejewski. The new CEO, associated with the managerial circle of Minister Wojciech Balczun, announced an immediate start to a "deep restructuring" of the giant. The company is struggling with a difficult market situation resulting from fluctuations in natural gas prices, a key raw material in fertilizer production. The recovery plan is to include asset consolidation and improving the operational efficiency of plants in Puławy, Police, and Tarnów. „Przystępujemy do pracy natychmiast, sytuacja wymaga głębokich i szybkich zmian strukturalnych.” (We are getting to work immediately; the situation requires deep and rapid structural changes.) — Marcin Celejewski

Mentioned People

  • Marcin Celejewski — Newly appointed CEO of Grupa Azoty, responsible for the company's restructuring.
  • Michael O'Leary — CEO of the Ryanair Group, announcing new investments in Poland.