LOT Polish Airlines has announced the launch of a new nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) starting in July 2017. The carrier plans to operate the route once weekly year-round, supplementing its existing daily service between Krakow and Chicago that currently routes passengers via Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW).
The new connection will be flown using one of LOT’s two Boeing 787 Dreamliners due for delivery in mid‑2017, offering passengers a modern, long‑haul cabin experience on the direct transatlantic sector.
Radosław Włoszek, chairman of the management board at Krakow Airport, welcomed the resumption of direct flights to Chicago after a nearly seven‑year hiatus. He said the airport’s market studies show strong and growing demand for a direct link. More than 90,000 passengers travel annually between Krakow and Chicago via Warsaw, and the new nonstop service will give them a direct option without the time and inconvenience of a transfer.
The direct service is expected to benefit travelers not only from southern Poland but also from the Silesia region and neighboring Slovakia by reducing travel time and simplifying itineraries. For business travelers, leisure passengers and the Polish diaspora in the Chicago area, the nonstop will improve connectivity and make Krakow more accessible.
LOT already serves several North American cities, operating flights from Warsaw to Chicago, Toronto (YYZ) and New York (JFK). The Krakow–Chicago nonstop will become the airline’s sixth North American route, expanding LOT’s transatlantic network. The route announcement comes alongside other planned expansions, including new services from Warsaw to Newark (EWR) and Los Angeles (LAX) scheduled to begin in April.
Using the 787 Dreamliner on the Krakow–Chicago route should deliver advantages in passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. The Dreamliner is designed for long‑haul travel with improved cabin pressure, higher humidity levels and larger windows, which can make long flights more comfortable for travelers. The aircraft’s range and economics also allow carriers to open point‑to‑point services between secondary European hubs and North American destinations.
From an airport perspective, reinstating nonstop transatlantic flights strengthens Krakow’s position as an international gateway. It supports tourism, trade and business links between southern Poland and the United States. Improved direct connectivity may also encourage more visitors to explore Lesser Poland and surrounding regions, while offering a convenient return option for travelers headed to the Chicago area and beyond.
Passengers who travel between Krakow and Chicago today can choose between the new nonstop service, once it launches, or existing connections through Warsaw. The nonstop option is particularly attractive for those looking to minimize total travel time and avoid the complexities of a transfer. As with any new route, schedules, fares and availability will be subject to periodic adjustment based on demand and operational considerations.
LOT’s network growth on transatlantic routes reflects the airline’s strategy to increase direct long‑haul connectivity from Polish cities and strengthen links between Poland and North America. For travelers in southern Poland and neighboring countries, the new Krakow–Chicago flight promises a simpler and faster travel experience when it begins in July 2017.