Kraków Airport has been awaiting the construction of a new runway for several years, which is deemed essential for the airport's future development. The current delay is primarily due to prolonged efforts to secure the necessary environmental decision, rather than a lack of funding. The case was transferred from the Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Kielce to Kraków, complicating the approval process further.

Maciej Lasek, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the precarious situation regarding the existing runway's capacity to safely handle operations in light of the ongoing delays. He emphasized that without the new runway, the airport's growth and operational safety could be significantly compromised. This has raised concerns among stakeholders about the airport's ability to accommodate increasing air traffic demand in the region.

The potential expansion of Kraków Airport is crucial not only for the local economy but also for enhancing Poland's connectivity. As the construction decisions loom, the focus remains on how swiftly the environmental approval can be secured to avoid further operational risks and ensure the airport remains viable in the competitive aviation sector.