Ryanair inks EUR 340mn deal to triple traffic at Modlin Airport
Irish budget airline Ryanair on 8 July signed a long-term agreement with Warsaw Modlin Airport to double the number of aircraft based at the airport by 2030 and more than triple expected passenger volumes in 2025.
The Irish low-cost carrier will invest approximately USD 400mn (EUR 340mn), its largest-ever commitment in Poland. Annual traffic at Modlin is expected to increase from 1.5mn to over 5mn by 2030.
The plan aligns with the Polish government’s objective of easing pressure on Warsaw Chopin Airport and boosting regional transport nodes.
The agreement will see Ryanair expand its base at Modlin from 4 to 8 Boeing 737s by summer 2026. The airline plans to launch up to 25 new routes, bringing its number of destinations served to around 60.
Modlin Airport's check-in desks will rise from 4 to 8 and aircraft parking positions from 8 to 12 by September 2027. The investment will create 200 jobs at Ryanair and 400 new jobs at the airport, in operations, retail and security.
Carrier aims to reverse traffic decline
Modlin was opened in 2012 to accommodate budget carriers and reduce traffic at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Modlin is located around 40km northwest of the capital and heavily relies on Ryanair, which at one time comprised over 95% of traffic.
In 2023, Modlin handled 3.4mn passengers, in 2024, 2.7mn, and 1.5mn this year. At the signing event, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: "After three years of traffic decline, we are pleased to sign this ambitious long-term growth deal with Modlin, which will more than triple passenger numbers."
Modlin’s acting CEO Jacek Kowalski, said the agreement would reposition the airport as a key regional gateway. "Thanks to the announced investments and long-term cooperation with Ryanair, the airport aspires to join the ranks of leading regional airports," Kowalski added.
O’Leary said demand remains strong, despite southern Europe’s ongoing heatwaves, and Mediterranean routes are driving high summer bookings.
Modlin’s role in Polish aviation business
Warsaw Modlin Airport, which handles almost exclusively Ryanair traffic, has also suffered a period of reduced activity and financial and governance challenges.
Poland’s Supreme Audit Office criticised the airport’s previous management for not updating its strategy or expanding infrastructure. In a 2023 audit, the Office criticised underutilisation and failure to diversify airline partnerships. Expansion efforts have been hindered by disputes between shareholders, including the Polish government, the regional Mazovian authorities, and local municipalities.
The new deal is expected to break the impasse and unlock co-financing opportunities for infrastructure expansion.