Building the airport of the future: How AI will run Poland’s new CPK megahub
October 11, 2025
Designed as a multimodal megahub located southwest of Warsaw, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) Airport is set to open in 2032.
The $34bn airport will open with two runways and an initial capacity to accommodate 34 million passengers annually. Construction will commence in 2026 with deep foundation piling. The underground railway station and tunnel are expected to be completed by 2029. Designed by Foster + Partners, the terminal will eventually expand to handle up to 100 million passengers per year.
Speaking at this year’s inter airport Europe in Munich, Przemysław Kot, Airside Operations Team Manager at CPK underlined how AI will play a central role in creating an impeccable passenger experience. He explained how CPK is being designed as one of the most technologically advanced airports in Europe.
“AI will form the backbone of CPK’s operational intelligence, helping to transform it into a smart, efficient and responsive hub from the outset”.
CPK’s AI-powered operations
AI-driven systems will enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of flight schedules, runway and apron usage, passenger flows, ground handling, baggage systems and energy consumption. Kot also noted that AI tools will help CPK achieve its sustainability goals.
According to Kot, the airport’s AI strategy will focus on three main areas: the passenger experience and optimisation of passenger flow; security screening; and autonomous vehicles.
With infrastructure planning complete, engineers are now integrating smart systems into the design that are capable of analysing real-time data to manage operations more efficiently. “AI-driven models will also optimise passenger movements throughout terminals, minimising congestion and delays,” he said.
In September, CPK announced it had appointed Netherlands-based baggage handling company, Vanderlande, to design, install and oversee the airport’s baggage handling system (BHS).
Occupying around 80,000 sqm of terminal space, the smart BHS will feature conveyors stretching more than 16km. It will be based on Individual Carrier System (ICS) technology, to transport bags in individual trays. This will ensure 100% tracking and sorting accuracy, reduce the risk of damage and allow modular expansion.
In the field of security, AI technologies will assist with automated screening and behaviour analysis to enhance safety while maintaining a seamless experience. Another area of innovation is passenger transport. CPK is developing autonomous vehicles for both passenger and baggage movement, as well as automated snow-removal systems.
How over 200 interconnected IT systems will power a frictionless experience
“To enable this level of intelligence, the airport will deploy over 200 interconnected IT systems. These will collect vast amounts of data in different formats, which AI will process to generate actionable insights and guide operational decisions,” explained Kot.
CPK recently introduced its own AI Governance Framework, the first step in ensuring all employees use AI responsibly and ethically. Ultimately, the airport’s vision is for travellers to experience an effortless journey — from parking and check-in through security to boarding and even taxiing — supported by invisible AI systems that reduce queues, personalise retail offers, and eliminate delays.
“The goal,” Kot concluded, “is to create an airport where AI improves every aspect of the passenger journey — often in ways they won’t even notice.”
