Gdansk Airport Terminals

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (IATA: GDN) is one of Poland’s most important international airports, located 12 km (7.5 miles) northwest of Gdańsk and serving the Tricity metropolitan area, which includes Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Named after former Polish president and Nobel laureate Lech Wałęsa, the airport combines modern infrastructure with historical significance. With over 6.7 million passengers served in 2024, it is the third busiest airport in Poland.

Historical Background

The origins of aviation in Gdańsk date back to 1919 when passenger flights began from an airfield in the Langfuhr district (now Wrzeszcz). During the interwar period, the airport expanded its operations, connecting cities like Warsaw, Berlin, Moscow, and Königsberg. After World War II, the airport was rebuilt and modernized to serve domestic and international routes. In 1974, operations moved to Rębiechowo, where the current airport is located. Significant investments since the 1990s have transformed it into a competitive hub for international travel.

Terminal Overview

Gdańsk Airport has two terminals: Terminal T1 and Terminal T2.

1. Terminal T1:

• Built in 1993, primarily used for departures to non-Schengen destinations such as Great Britain and Egypt.
• Connected to Terminal T2 via a bridge.
• Future plans include demolishing T1 once T2 is further expanded.

1. Terminal T2:

• Opened in 2012 and expanded multiple times since then.
• Features modern architecture inspired by waves at sea.
• Includes three above-ground floors and one underground floor.
• Houses check-in desks (25 total), baggage sorting facilities, departure gates (Schengen and non-Schengen), and VIP areas.
• Offers nine jet bridges compatible with turboprop aircraft like Bombardier Q400.

Zones and Levels

• Ground Floor: Baggage claim area, arrivals hall, passport control for non-Schengen flights, car rental desks.
• First Floor: Check-in counters, departure gates, shops, restaurants.
• Second Floor: VIP lounges and conference rooms.
• Underground Level: Technical facilities and service areas.

Restaurants and Shops

Gdańsk Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options:

• Restaurants:

• Flying Bistro: Casual dining with Polish specialties.
• Coffee Corner: Perfect for quick snacks and coffee.
• Sushi Bar: Fresh sushi for travelers looking for healthier options.

• Shops:

• Duty-free stores offering cosmetics, perfumes, liquor, and tobacco products.
• Local souvenir shops featuring Polish gifts like amber jewelry.
• Bookstores and kiosks for reading materials

VIP Lounges

1. Executive Lounge:

• Located on the second floor of Terminal T2.
• Offers complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines.
• Access available via membership programs or one-time passes.

1. Conference Rooms:

• Ideal for business travelers needing private meeting spaces before flights.

Popular Flights

Gdańsk Airport connects passengers to major European destinations:

• London (2 hours): Operated by Ryanair and Wizz Air.
• Oslo (1 hour 30 minutes): Served by Norwegian Air Shuttle.
• Stockholm (1 hour 20 minutes): Flights by SAS and Ryanair.
• Amsterdam (1 hour 50 minutes): Operated by KLM.
• Warsaw (55 minutes): Domestic route by LOT Polish Airlines.

Future Developments

Gdańsk Airport continues to expand its infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand:

Western Pier Expansion:

• Adds 16,000 square meters of space with new baggage claim belts and passport control zones.
• Enhances capacity for Schengen and non-Schengen flights.

Increased Passenger Capacity:

• The airport aims to handle up to 7 million passengers annually after ongoing expansions are completed.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Plans include energy-efficient systems across terminals and improved waste management facilities.

Improved Connectivity:

• Enhanced rail links via the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway will further integrate the airport into Poland’s transport network.

Location Map