LOT Polish Airlines reports a record year in 2025, carrying more than 11.7 million passengers, up 9.4 percent year over year, while ordering 55 new aircraft and securing options for 44 more as part of the largest fleet modernisation programme in its history.
The carrier also confirms plans to launch new long-haul routes to San Francisco and Bangkok in 2026 and to expand its European network from Warsaw and regional airports across Poland.
The Polish flag carrier, a member of Star Alliance since 2003, says the expansion will be supported by new Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft entering service by mid-2026 and additional Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners joining the long-haul fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026. The airline aims to operate one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Europe by the end of the decade.
In 2025, LOT added nine new destinations to its network, including routes from Warsaw to Lisbon, Malta, Marrakesh, Rovaniemi, Stavanger and Thessaloniki, as well as a new connection between Gdańsk and Istanbul. The airline says these additions strengthen its position at its Warsaw hub and reinforce its presence in regional markets.
“These results are definitely something we can be proud of,” said Michał Fijoł, CEO & President of the Management Board of LOT Polish Airlines. “We carried 11.7 million passengers, nearly 10 percent more than the year before, launched nine new destinations and strengthened our presence in the regions. Due to launch of the largest fleet modernisation programme in the airline’s history, a total of 55 new aircraft will be delivered, with an option to purchase 44 additional frames. As a result, by the end of the decade, LOT Polish Airlines will be operating one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Europe.”
To support growth, LOT inducted new Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft toward the end of 2025. A total of 13 jets of this model are scheduled to enter service by mid-2026. The aircraft feature a redesigned cabin with adjustable headrests, USB-C ports and smartphone holders, reflecting the airline’s focus on product upgrades alongside network expansion.
Long-haul capacity will also increase. In May 2026, LOT plans to launch a new route between Warsaw and San Francisco. Non-stop flights between Warsaw and Bangkok are scheduled to begin ahead of the winter 2026/2027 timetable. In addition, two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners will join the long-haul fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026, supporting intercontinental growth.
Further European expansion is planned for 2026, with 15 additional routes from Warsaw including Malaga, Almaty, Bologna, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca and Porto. LOT also continues to grow its footprint at regional airports. Kraków is set to gain new connections to Madrid, Barcelona and Rome, while passengers from Gdańsk will be able to fly to Brussels, Oslo and Bergen.
The airline says the combination of rising passenger numbers, new aircraft deliveries and targeted route development positions LOT Polish Airlines for sustained growth through the remainder of the decade.
