LOT Polish Airlines Launches 2026 Warsaw–Heraklion Route With Three Boeing 737 MAX 8 Flights Weekly To Boost Travel Growth To Crete

Published on December 3, 2025

LOT Polish Airlines, Poland’s flag carrier, is developing its summer network with a new direct link between Warsaw and Heraklion in Crete to start with the summer 2026 season. The connection is supposed to serve the increasing number of Polish tourists who travel to Greece for their holidays, in particular those seeking sun, beaches, and cultural experiences on Crete, one of the country’s most popular islands. The route, which will begin on May 30, 2026, fits right into the peak holiday demand, giving travelers more choices when thinking about summer vacations in the Mediterranean.

Three Weekly Flights Tailored For Holidaymakers

For the 2026 summer season, LOT Polish Airlines will operate three weekly flights on the Warsaw–Heraklion route, designed to suit the needs of both weekend and longer-stay travelers. Flights will depart from Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland’s main international hub, and land at Heraklion International Airport, a key gateway to Crete’s northern coastline.

The schedule will see flights operating on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, helping passengers plan flexible itineraries. Travelers will fly on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, part of LOT’s modern narrowbody fleet, known for enhanced fuel efficiency, improved cabin comfort, and longer range suitable for medium-haul leisure routes.

According to the planned timetable:

• Flight LO619 is due to depart Warsaw at 11:45 a.m. on Mondays and Saturdays, and at 10:20 a.m. on Fridays
• Return flight LO620 from Heraklion will leave at 4:40 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays, and at 3:20 p.m. on Fridays

The flight time is expected to be around two hours and fifty-five minutes, giving passengers a quick and direct connection from Poland to Crete without the need for transfers.

Crete Remains a Top Choice for Polish Tourists

The introduction of this new route reflects the strong appeal of Crete among Polish holidaymakers. The island combines archaeological treasures, coastal landscapes, and family-friendly resorts, making it a versatile destination for couples, families, and group travelers.

Passengers arriving on the new LOT Polish Airlines flights will be well placed to explore some of Crete’s most renowned attractions, including:

• The ancient Palace of Knossos, linked with early European civilization
• The archaeological site of Phaistos, offering insight into Minoan history
• The Cretaquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the region, showcasing Mediterranean marine life
• A wide selection of long sandy beaches, from organized resort areas to more tranquil stretches of coastline

These features, combined with local cuisine, traditional villages, and seaside towns, help explain why Crete continues to rank high on the list of preferred destinations for travelers from Poland.

Stronger Poland–Greece Air Links for Summer 2026

The Warsaw–Heraklion service will not stand alone. For summer 2026, LOT Polish Airlines is also planning to operate direct flights from Poland to other key Greek destinations. These include:

• Athens, a center of history, culture, and city breaks
• Thessaloniki, an important port city with rich heritage and nightlife
• Preveza, a gateway to the Ionian coast and nearby resort areas

By offering flights to Heraklion, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Preveza, LOT is strengthening air connectivity between Poland and Greece, supporting tourism flows in both directions and giving Polish travelers more choice when it comes to Greek holiday planning.

Boosting Tourism and Regional Economies

Enhanced air connectivity is a key driver of tourism growth, especially during the busy summer period. The new Warsaw–Heraklion route is expected to support local economies on Crete by bringing in more visitors from Poland, who contribute to hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses.

For Poland, the route also reinforces Warsaw Chopin Airport as a hub for international leisure travel, confirming LOT Polish Airlines as a central player in connecting Polish residents with leading holiday destinations in southern Europe.

The decision to add capacity to Greece for 2026 signals confidence in continuing travel demand, particularly for sun-and-sea tourism, cultural trips, and family holidays.

Comfortable Travel Onboard Boeing 737 MAX 8

Operating the route with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 allows LOT Polish Airlines to combine operational efficiency with a more comfortable experience for passengers. The aircraft type typically offers:

• Modern cabin interiors
• More efficient fuel consumption compared to older models
• Operational flexibility suited to medium-haul European routes

These factors help the airline maintain competitive fares while still delivering a reliable and comfortable journey for travelers heading to Crete.

Goldair Supporting LOT’s Activities in Greece

In Greece, Goldair continues to serve as the general sales agent (GSA) for LOT Polish Airlines, helping coordinate commercial activities, sales support, and market representation. This cooperation assists in promoting the airline’s services within the Greek market and ensuring smooth communication with local tourism partners, travel agencies, and stakeholders involved in inbound and outbound travel.

A Promising Outlook for Summer Leisure Travel

With the introduction of the new Warsaw to Heraklion route, together with existing connections to Athens, Thessaloniki, and Preveza, LOT Polish Airlines is positioning itself strongly for the summer 2026 season. For travelers, this means there is going to be more direct options, more schedule flexibility, and easier access to Greece’s islands and cities. For Crete and other Greek destinations, this represents another step towards sustaining and growing tourism activity, especially from an important source market such as Poland. The move further solidifies LOT Polish Airlines’ position as a key connector between Central Europe and the Mediterranean in support of leisure trends and wider tourism development within the region.

Image Source: LOT Polish Airlines