New LOT Polish Airlines routes: from Kraków to Rome, Barcelona and Madrid

Development of LOT’s route network from Kraków

Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT consistently strengthen their regional presence, with Kraków becoming one of the key points of this strategy. In the summer 2026 season, the carrier is launching three new year-round connections to Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid. The inauguration of all routes is scheduled for 30 March 2026. This offer is complemented by the already existing connection to Istanbul, which serves as a strategic transfer hub. Flights will be operated by modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and the schedule is designed to provide convenient departures at different times of the day, increasing travel flexibility and allowing the offer to better match passenger needs.

Kraków – Rome connection

The route to Rome is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in LOT’s network. The Eternal City attracts visitors with numerous attractions such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain. During the summer season, flights will operate five times a week, and in the winter season four times a week. The schedule will allow both morning and afternoon departures, ensuring efficient handling of business connections as well as short city break trips. Flights to Rome are also a destination for many pilgrims from Poland.

Kraków – Barcelona connection

Flights to Barcelona are planned four times a week throughout the year. Connections to the capital of Catalonia combine tourist traffic with strong business demand. Tourists are drawn to the remarkable architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Business travelers see Barcelona as an important center of innovation and new technologies. Barcelona is also one of Europe’s leaders in the MICE sector. The permanent presence of this Spanish city in LOT’s schedule highlights the growing importance of this route for passengers from the Małopolska region.

Kraków – Madrid connection

Another Spanish city in LOT’s route network from 30 March 2026 will be Madrid. The capital of Spain is an important business and administrative center. Madrid is also a city full of art, history, and vibrant urban life. Visitors can explore the famous Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Royal Palace. The historic Plaza Mayor is also worth visiting. Business activity will be concentrated around the AZCA district and the modern Cuatro Torres complex, which are home to offices of international corporations, consulting firms, and financial institutions. Flights from Kraków to Madrid will operate year-round six times a week.

Kraków – Istanbul connection

An important addition to LOT’s offer from Małopolska is the presence of flights to Istanbul in the schedule, which plays a special role as a gateway to Asia and the Middle East. Thanks to this, Kraków gains not only direct connections to key cities in Southern Europe, but also access to one of the most important global transfer hubs. In practice, this significantly expands travel opportunities for residents of the region without the need to use airports in Warsaw or other major European hubs.

Strengthening Kraków Airport

The importance of these new routes for Małopolska goes far beyond air transport itself. Direct connections to such important destinations as Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid enhance Kraków’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, facilitating the inflow of visitors from Southern Europe. At the same time, residents of the region gain convenient access to the most popular leisure and cultural destinations. Equally important is the economic aspect – a well-developed route network supports investment, strengthens business relations, and increases Kraków’s competitiveness as a center for services and new technologies.

The expansion of LOT’s offer is also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the position of Kraków Airport as one of the key airports in Central and Eastern Europe. A greater number of connections, their year-round nature, and the growing number of available seats translate into dynamic passenger growth and reinforce Kraków’s role as a regional transport hub.