KRAKÓW TO EXPAND TERMINAL AND REVAMP COMMERCIAL OFFERINGS

Kraków John Paul II International Airport has appointed London-based design specialists The Design Solution (TDS) to transform the commercial spaces in its terminal.

Over the past decade the airport has been one of the fastest-growing regional airports in Europe and has developed an ambitious Master Plan for its long-term development. 

The blueprint for the future includes the expansion of the terminal building and apron, repositioning the cargo facility and a new runway.

The airport, which expects to handle close to eight million passengers this year, has chosen PIG Architekci Sp. z o.o. to spearhead the terminal expansion project's design team.

TDS will carry out the commercial planning for the new-look terminal.

TDS managing director, Robbie Gill, says: "Many European regional airports have experienced strong traffic growth through the rise of the low cost carriers. Kraków is a powerful example of the challenges that such airlines face to simultaneously develop their capacity and ensure that the commercial planning enables them to fully exploit the commercial opportunities provided by that traffic growth.

"We are planning the commercial area at Kraków International as a sinuous street, wide enough to enable us to plan in seating for passengers, promotions and pop-up opportunities and event areas but narrow enough to allow all passengers to view and shop both sides. 

"Halfway along this journey there is a level change, which will give passengers a panoramic view over the second zone of the departures lounge.”

All works are due for completion in 2026.

The airport's director of aviatio  and commercial services, Pawel Galiak, says: “We are delighted to have appointed The Design Solution, it is still early days but they have made a great contribution to PIG Architekci sp. z o.o. through their commercial thinking on the project.

"We are convinced that, thanks to The Design Solution’s commitment to the project, we will be able to provide our passengers with the best balance between maximising the non-aero revenues and the best possible passenger experience. 

"The transformation of all the commercial space that will be delivered will have to address the expectations of the airport’s future passengers. 

"The approach taken in the early planning, as well as the presented commercial solutions, are evidence that our cooperation with a company that has such an extensive knowledge and worldwide experience will pay off for Krakow Airport.”