The Polish government is working on a new law aimed at altering the financing rules for the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), which would require airlines to cover part of the operational costs. A suggestion within the plan proposes a passenger charge of approximately 6 PLN for every traveler departing from Polish airports. This proposal has been met with strong opposition from Ryanair, the largest airline operating in Poland, which argues that such charges could negatively impact the competitiveness of the air travel market in the country.

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, voiced his concerns regarding the proposed fees in an interview, highlighting that the introduction of new charges could stifle the growth of the Polish aviation market. He noted a broader trend across several European nations that are reducing taxes and aviation-related fees to stimulate passenger traffic and promote tourism growth. O'Leary believes that Poland must keep aviation costs low to remain competitive against other European destinations.

The implications of this proposed reform could be significant for the future of air travel in Poland. If implemented, the charges may deter passengers from using Polish airports, potentially leading to a decrease in overall air traffic and harming the tourism sector. Experts caution that the government should carefully consider the potential ramifications of such regulations and align any reforms with current trends in the European aviation market to foster rather than hinder growth.