Poland’s Tourism Boosted by Wizz Air’s New Direct Flights from Kraków and Katowice

Poland’s tourism industry is seeing a strong boost in 2025 as Wizz Air launches new direct flights from Kraków and Katowice to top destinations in Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, Estonia 🇪🇪, and Portugal 🇵🇹. This move comes at a time when Poland’s travel sector is growing quickly, with more tourists, higher revenues, and new opportunities for local communities.

On July 31, 2025, Wizz Air announced it would add two Airbus A321neo planes in Poland—one at Kraków (KRK) and one at Katowice (KTW). This allows the airline to start ten new direct routes, making it easier for travelers to reach Poland from across Europe. The new routes from Kraków include flights to Bilbao (Spain 🇪🇸), Verona (Italy 🇮🇹), Vilnius (Lithuania 🇱🇹), and Tallinn (Estonia 🇪🇪). Flights to Vilnius and Tallinn begin October 26, 2025, Verona starts October 28, and Bilbao launches December 9. From Katowice, travelers will soon enjoy direct flights to Porto (Portugal 🇵🇹, starting October 26, 2025), Faro (Portugal 🇵🇹), Brindisi (Italy 🇮🇹), Lamezia Terme (Italy 🇮🇹), Brașov (Romania 🇷🇴), and Maastricht (Netherlands 🇳🇱), with most new services starting in March 2026.

Wizz Air’s decision to expand in Poland follows the closure of its Abu Dhabi hub. The airline is now focusing on strengthening its European network, with Poland at the center of its plans. According to Andras Szabo, Wizz Air’s Commercial Officer for Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, “We are committed to supporting the Małopolska (Kraków) and Silesia (Katowice) regions. Our expansion will help these areas grow and make air travel more accessible and environmentally friendly.”

The numbers show just how much Poland’s tourism sector is growing. In the first half of 2025, Wizz Air operated over 32,000 flights to and from Poland, which is a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Since entering the Polish market, Wizz Air has carried over 120 million passengers. In the first quarter of 2025, Poland welcomed 8.0 million tourists in official lodgings, a 12.9% jump from the same period in 2024. There were 19.1 million overnight stays, up 9.6%. Foreign guests made up 18.6% of these overnight stays, showing that international tourism is rising, though it still trails behind Western European countries.

Statista projects that Poland’s tourism revenue will reach US$9.7 billion in 2025, with more growth expected in the years ahead. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the sector will contribute PLN 165.5 billion to Poland’s GDP in 2025, making up 4.4% of the country’s total GDP. This is 5.9% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, says, “Poland’s travel and tourism sector is set for long-term growth, with record-breaking economic contributions and strong domestic travel in 2025. Continued investment in connectivity and infrastructure is key to attracting more tourists from abroad.”

The new direct flights from Kraków and Katowice are expected to bring even more visitors from Southern and Western Europe, especially from Spain 🇪🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, Portugal 🇵🇹, and Estonia 🇪🇪. This will help Poland attract tourists from beyond its traditional markets like Germany 🇩🇪, Ukraine 🇺🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, and the United States 🇺🇸. Improved air links will also support local economies in Kraków and Katowice by creating jobs and encouraging regional development.

Wizz Air’s expansion fits with Poland’s broader tourism strategy, which aims for sustainable growth, eco-friendly travel, and the promotion of the country’s cultural and natural heritage. The airline’s low-cost model makes travel more affordable, especially for young people and those who are careful with their spending. Tourism experts say that low-cost carriers like Wizz Air help more people visit new places and support local businesses.

Regional tourism boards in Małopolska and Silesia are working with airlines and local companies to make the most of these new connections. They are running marketing campaigns and upgrading infrastructure to welcome more visitors. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these efforts are expected to make Poland even more attractive to international tourists and help the country compete with other European destinations.

Booking a direct flight is simple. Travelers can visit Wizz Air’s official website to see schedules, fares, and route details. The new routes are available for booking several months in advance, with introductory fares starting as low as EUR 25 for one-way tickets on select routes. For the latest information, passengers should check Wizz Air’s website or major flight search engines. The Polish Tourism Organisation also provides helpful resources for visitors planning their trips. For more details, travelers can visit the Polish Tourism Organisation’s official website.

Aviation analysts see Wizz Air’s move as a smart response to changes in the travel market after the pandemic. By focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, the airline is tapping into areas with high growth potential. The Polish government and tourism authorities are expected to introduce more support measures to keep the sector growing and to help Poland stand out as a top European travel destination.

Poland’s tourism sector faced tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has bounced back strongly since 2022. International arrivals and revenues have not only recovered but are now higher than before the pandemic. Kraków remains the country’s top tourist spot, drawing over 9 million visitors in 2023. Katowice is also becoming an important hub for both business and leisure travelers.

Looking ahead, the WTTC predicts that Poland’s tourism sector will keep growing, with GDP contributions expected to reach PLN 221.8 billion by 2035. Wizz Air’s ongoing fleet expansion and new routes suggest that even more travelers will be able to visit Poland in the coming years.

Key dates to remember include:
– July 31, 2025: Wizz Air announces new aircraft and routes.
– October 26, 2025: Flights to Porto, Vilnius, and Tallinn begin.
– October 28, 2025: Flights to Verona start.
– December 9, 2025: Flights to Bilbao launch.
– March 2026: Remaining new routes from Katowice begin.

For travelers, students, and workers looking to visit or move to Poland, these new direct flights from Kraków and Katowice make the country more accessible than ever. The expansion promises more choices, better prices, and easier travel, helping Poland’s tourism and economy grow for years to come.