From Warsaw, do you start at Okęcie or Chopin Airport? They’re often used interchangeably, yet many people aren’t sure they’re the same place.
Okęcie Airport vs. Chopin — two names, one place
Chopin Airport and Okęcie are the same place. Located in Warsaw’s Włochy district, the airport—despite having operated under the official name Chopin Airport for nearly 25 years—still, in everyday use, is often referred to by its earlier name: Okęcie.
Are there other airports in Warsaw?
Yes—within the greater Warsaw metropolitan area there is Chopin Airport (WAW) and Warsaw-Modlin (WMI). However, remember that although it’s associated with Warsaw, it’s as much as 40 km from Warsaw. The Warsaw-Radom airport, located 110 km from Warsaw as well, is also misleadingly named. Don’t mix them up!
To avoid confusion about your departure or arrival location, check the airport’s IATA code—the unique code assigned to that airport.
When to say Chopin Airport vs Okęcie—practical tips
Use the name Chopin Airport in formal situations, when the airport’s official name may affect the validity of documents, e.g.,
- Booking airline tickets and contacting airlines
- Check schedules on carriers’ and the airport’s websites
- Filling in travel documents, visa forms, etc.
Use Okęcie when arranging transport to the airport, for example.
Why are two names still used today?
It’s mainly due to the place’s history. The name Okęcie is rooted in local history, referring to its location, and it’s often used out of habit. It’s a common name in Poland, used for decades by people who have grown used to saying they’re flying “from Okęcie” or “to Okęcie.” That name has become synonymous with the country’s main airport, while the new name, Chopin Airport, carries values on which it’s easier to build an international profile and recognition.
Okęcie—where did the old airport name come
Okęcie’s history goes back to the 19th century: a small town stood at the “angle” of the Raków estates. As part of Warsaw, Okęcie existed since 1951, and it was added to Włochy in 1994.
Historical curiosities and more
- Interwar 20th century
In the interwar period, an airport was developed here—today known as Chopin Airport. The “airport terminal” building, completed in 1933 and put into use in 1934, was opened by Ignacy Mościcki.
In the first year of operation, the airport handled 10,750 passengers. Today, nearly 25,000 passengers use the airport every day. Before the war, regular air connections ran from the airport to 6 domestic and 17 foreign airports. Planes from this airport flew to faraway places such as the then Palestine or Beirut.
- Post–World War II rebuilding and the airport’s role in the
Bombed in WWII, the airport was rebuilt. A new—temporary—terminal went up, plus an air-traffic control tower and a concrete runway. Yet in the 1940s the rebuilt airport wasn’t a PRL source of pride. With renewed international tourism growth and new routes, Warsaw’s airport lagged behind global standards and was seen as an “anti-ad.”
- The first modernizations
The first major modernization took place in 1962. A new building was planned, along with infrastructure: a new runway, new access roads, and new technical support facilities. Opened in 1969, the airport could boast being modern and distinctive.
- New Terminal 1
In the late 1980s, the decision was made to build a new terminal. Terminal 1 opened in 1992.
- Okęcie, Fryderyk Chopin Airport, Chopin Airport
In 2001, the airport’s name was officially changed to Fryderyk Chopin Airport, and in 2010 the name was shortened and the commercial name “Chopin Airport” was registered.
- A uniformed team of falconers keeps the airport safe
Today, 12 falcons work at Chopin Airport. Together with the falconers, they help ensure air-traffic safety by scaring away birds that could pose a potential danger.
What should you remember?
- Chopin Airport and Okęcie are the same place—use the official name Chopin Airport in documents and formal situations.
- Chopin Airport is the official name. Okęcie is a customary name used for decades.
- Chopin Airport code: WAW.
- When buying airline tickets, make sure you don’t confuse Chopin Airport (WAW) with another Warsaw airport, Warsaw-Modlin (WMI).
Sources:
https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/pl/historia.html
https://natemat.pl/359625,lotnisko-chopina-jest-domem-dla-12-sokolow-to-bardzo-wazni-pracownicy
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ok%C4%99cie
https://turystyka.rp.pl/lotniska/art42607471-sokolnicy-tez-dbaja-o-bezpieczenstwo-na-lotniskach
