Voluntary land acquisition programme shows high resident participation in Poland’s future airport

Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) Airport, located 37km west of Warsaw in Poland, is said to be one of the most ambitious airport infrastructure projects in Europe, costing £27bn. c: CPK Airport

High resident participation is demonstrating how a voluntary approach to land acquisition can support major transport infrastructure projects in Poland, as Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) advances plans for the country’s future central airport.

Developed under the Port Polska investment programme, the Voluntary Acquisition Programme offers a resident-focused alternative to compulsory purchase. Designed specifically for the new airport and planned high-speed rail lines, it enables property owners to sell early and voluntarily on enhanced financial terms, supported by tailored relocation assistance.

Uptake has been strong. Within the area covered by the airport Location Decision, 235 of 310 residential buildings have been acquired through the programme. At land level, owners representing around 89 per cent of the area required for the first construction phase have applied to participate, with more than 2,500 plots acquired to date.

“This result exceeded our expectations,” said Dr Filip Czernicki, CEO of Centralny Port Komunikacyjny. “The programme gave people real choices, time and security, and it allows us to move confidently into the construction phase of Poland’s new transport hub.”

The programme combines independent property valuations with financial bonuses or replacement value options, always selecting the outcome most favourable to the owner. Participants also receive individual support, including relocation assistance, training opportunities, compensation for lost credit capacity and guidance from dedicated on-site coordinators throughout the process.

Handled by specialised teams and independent valuers, the scheme emphasises confidentiality, transparency and trust. It has been praised by Poland’s Supreme Audit Office, which has recommended its wider use in public investments.

According to Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, the programme “benefits residents, investors and the public purse alike, enabling faster delivery while significantly reducing social friction.”

Construction of the passenger terminal is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the airport expected to open by the end of 2032.

SIGN ME UP