Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) has unveiled the concept design for Poland’s CPK airport, which is to be built 37km west of Warsaw.
The concept design, prepared by the British consortium Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, features the terminal, main railway station and public transport interchange. The approval of the airport’s concept design means the airport project has moved to the development of the construction project phase.
“According to the schedule and in line with previous announcements, we are consistently implementing the next steps in preparation for the construction of CPK. I am convinced that this modern architecture, which was developed with the world-leading designers, will create gigantic business opportunities, attract foreign investments and stimulate economically not only Poland, but the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe.”
It is the first time the architectural concept of the terminal has been presented. The design aims to demonstrate how different modes of transport will be combined at the airport.
“For those arriving, this will be the first experience of our country. We are also unveiling the first railway station so closely integrated with an airport.”
At the heart of the multimodal interchange is an atrium that connects easily to the airport terminal, railway station and other modes of transport. The atrium is designed to be the ‘foreground of the airport’, linking the terminal and the railway station together.
The nearby Airport City, which will house conference facilities among other things, will be straightforward to access on foot from the terminal.
“Our design for CPK is centred on the passenger. The ambition is to create an accessible, calm and legible building that enhances the experience of travel.
“The terminal’s minimal level changes and generous structural spans create clear lines of sight – from landside to airside – making it extremely easy to navigate. The vaulted roof fills the space with light and leads passengers through the building, guiding them towards their destinations. Bringing together three modes of transport in one place – and integrating a new railway station that is part of a national high-speed rail system – we believe that CPK will completely transform the way people travel across Poland and become a powerful new gateway to Europe and the rest of the world.”
The airport’s passenger terminal will cover an area of around 400,000 square metres. It will be located on two levels with arrival and security checks for both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers. Following security, non-Schengen passengers will descend another level where they will have a dedicated area of the terminal with restaurants and shops.
All areas of the terminal will have two-way moving walkways for passengers. Conventional check-in desks will be joined by self-service check-in stations, a self-bag drop and kiosks with biometric capabilities. Security and document control is to be fully automated with CT scanners and automated gates.
The railway station will have convenient access to the bus station and Airport City. The interchange will have bus bays, waiting areas with ticket counters and retail facilities. Hotels are also planned in the vicinity of the bus station.
The railway station will feature six underground platforms (12 tracks) for both regional and long-distance trains.
The first phase of the airport – two parallel runways and infrastructure to process 40 million passengers – is expected to be operational in 2028. The CPK General Plan assumes the airport will then be expanded in a modular fashion. IATA estimates that the airport could handle up to 65 million passengers in 2060.
