Real-time flight statistics show that 68 percent of departures from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) were running late on the evening of 18 January, with average hold-ups of 33 minutes. Arrivals fared slightly better, but still recorded a 17 percent delay rate and an average 48-minute lag.
Airport authorities attribute the backlog to a protracted cold spell that has blanketed central Poland in sub-zero temperatures, forcing extended de-icing cycles and slowing ground-handling operations. Meteorological data at 18:38 CET logged an air temperature of –8 °C and clear but icy conditions, requiring every outbound aircraft to undergo anti-ice treatment.
![Departure Delays Surge to 68 % at Warsaw Chopin Airport Amid Ongoing Cold Snap]()
For anyone travelling to or through Poland during this freeze, making sure all travel paperwork is in order can prevent additional hassles. VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) lets passengers instantly verify visa requirements, file applications online and track processing, giving travellers one less thing to worry about while airlines and airports work through weather-related disruptions.
LOT Polish Airlines has adjusted minimum connection times for transit passengers, while corporate travel managers are advising staff to build extra margin into itineraries and monitor re-booking policies. Cargo operators moving perishables through WAW’s temperature-controlled terminals report that sensitive consignments are being prioritised, but some outbound trucking slots have been pushed back.
With cold weather warnings in force for much of Mazovia until at least 20 January, travellers should expect continued schedule volatility, download airline apps for push notifications and keep proof of delay handy for potential EU 261 compensation claims.
Airport authorities attribute the backlog to a protracted cold spell that has blanketed central Poland in sub-zero temperatures, forcing extended de-icing cycles and slowing ground-handling operations. Meteorological data at 18:38 CET logged an air temperature of –8 °C and clear but icy conditions, requiring every outbound aircraft to undergo anti-ice treatment.
For anyone travelling to or through Poland during this freeze, making sure all travel paperwork is in order can prevent additional hassles. VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) lets passengers instantly verify visa requirements, file applications online and track processing, giving travellers one less thing to worry about while airlines and airports work through weather-related disruptions.
LOT Polish Airlines has adjusted minimum connection times for transit passengers, while corporate travel managers are advising staff to build extra margin into itineraries and monitor re-booking policies. Cargo operators moving perishables through WAW’s temperature-controlled terminals report that sensitive consignments are being prioritised, but some outbound trucking slots have been pushed back.
With cold weather warnings in force for much of Mazovia until at least 20 January, travellers should expect continued schedule volatility, download airline apps for push notifications and keep proof of delay handy for potential EU 261 compensation claims.
