Crunch time for passengers

<>The new terminal is in fact a PLN 3 mln refit of an old facility, which was previously used between 1979 and 1992. Despite the facelift, Etiuda's limitations are immediately obvious. Its usable floor space at 2,281 sqm is just a twentieth of Terminal 1. Though the airport authority apologetically states on its website that facilities are basic, the situation would be better described as uncomfortable. The check-in area is overcrowded with an atmosphere of confusion. Luggage has to be carried by the passenger through security checks. To the delight of those unlucky to suffering delayed departures, there aren't enough seats to cater for travellers from more than one flight. Should they be hungry or thirsty, there are only snack dispensing machines, no bars or cafes.

<>Waiting in the carpark?

<>Fire regulations forbid any more than 500 persons in the building at any one time. Since a B737 would typically carry around 120 passengers, logically only a couple of departures and arrivals per sliding two-hour period can be permitted. In the event of delays, and flights being grounded, it is unclear where the excess people will be ushered. Given that the four carriers currently using the terminal: Air Polonia, SkyEurope, Germanwings and Volare are already responsible for an average of over 30 movements per day (departures and arrivals) it is clear that the system has little scope for further expansion. According to SkyEurope spokesman, Eryk Kłopotowski, the Slovakian airline alone will probably handle 200,000 passengers during 2004 (ie. from May 1st). However, he pointed out that new routes are still being added and passenger numbers, on an annualised basis, are constantly growing. The low-cost industry has effectively been in existence in Poland only since May and already three airlines have based aircraft at Okęcie. In July the British carrier, EasyJet, announced that services from Warsaw will commence in October. However, neither the airline, nor PPL (the airport managers) has decided whether Etiuda will be chosen to serve these extra passengers. Maybe they genuinely are unsure as to the feasibility of it.

<>Clear precedent

<>Even if Poland achieves just a fraction of the growth recorded in Britain, where London's 3rd and 4th airports have seen a combined annual increase of 22 million passengers per year since 1997, the future looks decidedly uncomfortable. Completion of Okęcie's Terminal 2 has been put back 5 months but in any case will only increase total capacity to 10 mln. A new airport for Warsaw is simply in discussion stages and won't come to fruition before 2015. The name given to the low-cost terminal, Etiuda, certainly seems ironic. The authorities certainly don't seem to have studied the market, and it definitely isn't music to the ears of the travelling public.

<>Steven Hitchen