The year 2024 was a period of intense preparations, impressive project advancements, and spectacular investment decisions for the Central Communication Port (CPK). During this time, the company presented airport and rail projects, announced numerous tenders, acquired a significant amount of land for investments, and secured substantial financial support from the government and European institutions. Below, we present the key facts and events from 2024 that brought Poland closer to realizing one of the most ambitious infrastructure investments in recent years.
New agreements and funding guarantees
Throughout the past year, CPK announced approximately 60 tender proceedings worth over PLN 8 billion. Thanks to the involvement and cooperation of numerous engineering, construction, and financial partners, the company signed dozens of key agreements ensuring smooth project progress.
Government support materialized in concrete actions, including increasing the company’s share capital by PLN 3.5 billion, enabling efficient project work on both the airport’s airside (operational area) and landside (publicly accessible areas).
Multiannual Program CPK and new horizons
The most significant milestone in financing was the adoption of the government’s Multiannual Program CPK on December 31. This comprehensive plan allocates over PLN 131 billion for the development of new transportation infrastructure, including PLN 76.8 billion for rail investments and PLN 42.7 billion for airport projects.
This funding provides CPK with a stable financial outlook until 2032, laying a solid foundation for long-term project and construction efforts.
Progress in projects and land acquisitions
In 2024, a pivotal event was the official presentation of a comprehensive construction project, covering the airport terminal, railway station, and transfer hub. Developed by a renowned consortium, Foster and Partners with Buro Happold, along with 30 other firms, the documentation included over 6,000 design drawings and 50 specialized reports. The first phase of the airport is projected to handle 34 million passengers annually, with room for future expansion.
A priority for CPK was acquiring properties in the least disruptive manner possible. Throughout the year, no one was expropriated, and through the Voluntary Purchase Program (VPP), over 1,800 plots totaling more than 1,700 hectares were acquired. Negotiations with other property owners are ongoing, with further agreements expected.
Minority investor and supporting facilities
2024 also brought a key decision regarding a minority investor – Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL) was selected to participate in the new central airport’s development. This partnership leverages PPL’s expertise, gained from operating Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Simultaneously, work continues on designing supporting facilities such as the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), air traffic control tower, and rescue and firefighting service buildings. Competitive dialogue is also underway for designing and implementing a Baggage Handling System (BHS).
High-speed rail and EU support
The construction of Poland’s first high-speed rail (HSR) reached an advanced stage. In Łódź, preparations are underway to dig a 4.6-kilometer tunnel, one of the most critical elements of the entire CPK program. CPK secured construction permits and opened bids for tunnel work contractors, marking significant progress.
The ongoing design of the so-called “Y line” (Warsaw–Łódź–Wrocław/Poznań) continued, with plans for 480 kilometers of track capable of speeds up to 320 km/h. The European Commission granted CPK PLN 162 million in 2024 for further route design, increasing total EU funding to over PLN 500 million.
Road infrastructure expansion and development outlook
To ensure the future airport and railway station function efficiently, a robust road infrastructure is essential. In fall 2024, CPK announced tenders for designing and building a road network exceeding 90 kilometers around the planned airport. These projects include key junctions like “Baranów” on the eastern side of the airport and “CPK East.”
Approximately PLN 2.5 billion has been allocated for road modernization and construction until 2032 under the Multiannual Program. These investments aim to facilitate passenger and cargo flows to and from the new transportation hub.
A new impetus for the economy and region
The expansion of rail and road networks, combined with the new airport, represents one of the largest infrastructure programs in Poland’s history. The project is expected to accelerate the country’s polycentric development, reduce transportation exclusion, and boost the competitiveness of Poland’s economy internationally.
The results of 2024 underscore the project’s importance as a state priority, intertwining ambitious infrastructure, economic, and social goals. With the adoption of the PLN 131 billion Multiannual Program CPK, Poland is taking significant strides toward transforming its transportation system and positioning itself as a key regional hub.