1. VisaHQ.com
  2. /
  3. Global Mobility News
  4. /
  5. Poland
  6. /
  7. Warsaw–Modlin Airport to open pop-up terminal ahead of summer rush, doubling boarding gates

Warsaw–Modlin Airport to open pop-up terminal ahead of summer rush, doubling boarding gates

Apr 5, 2026
·
Warsaw–Modlin Airport to open pop-up terminal ahead of summer rush, doubling boarding gates
The management of Warsaw–Modlin Airport unveiled visualisations on 4 April of a temporary, canvas-roofed passenger terminal that will open before the peak summer season. The structure, erected next to the existing building, will add four boarding gates—raising the total to eight—and lift annual capacity to roughly eight million passengers. Work is part of a wider expansion plan that includes a permanent terminal extension, new aircraft stands and a rail spur linking the low-cost hub to central Warsaw in under 35 minutes. Airport president Jacek Kowalski said the interim facility is needed to keep queues under control while the main building undergoes phased renovation. Ryanair, which bases nine aircraft at Modlin and handles 90 % of its traffic, has pledged USD 400 million to grow its Polish network once the infrastructure is in place. The Irish carrier intends to add frequencies to London, Milan and Stockholm in the winter 2026 timetable, further pressuring capacity. For corporate travel managers the announcement is welcome: Modlin offers lower fees than Chopin Airport and is increasingly used for short-haul incentive trips and regional meetings. However, ground-handling bottlenecks have triggered complaints from multinational firms whose staff face long security lines. The pop-up terminal will house extra security lanes and Schengen departure gates, while non-Schengen traffic will continue to board from the main hall so that border-police infrastructure need not be duplicated.

Warsaw–Modlin Airport to open pop-up terminal ahead of summer rush, doubling boarding gates


If your employees or clients need help navigating Polish or Schengen visa requirements as flight options shift between Modlin and other airports, VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork online, provide up-to-date entry guidance, and even arrange courier pickup for documents. Explore their Poland services at https://www.visahq.com/poland/ for an efficient way to keep travel plans on schedule.

In the medium term, Modlin’s owners—the Mazovian regional government, the State Treasury and Polish Airports Authority PPL—plan to digitise air-traffic control by installing a remote tower, freeing up space for additional stands. If approved this summer, the PLN 1.2 billion permanent upgrade would finish in 2029 and position Modlin as a relief airport for the yet-to-be-built Central Communication Port. Travel buyers should factor in shifting traffic patterns and the possibility of charter flights moving from Chopin to Modlin once extra gates come online.

Pole Visas & Immigration Team @ VisaHQ

VisaHQ's expert visas and immigration team helps individuals and companies navigate global travel, work, and residency requirements. We handle document preparation, application filings, government agencies coordination, every aspect necessary to ensure fast, compliant, and stress-free approvals.

×