LOT Polish Airlines Expands Poland Travel Power With Bangkok, Hanoi and New European Routes Connecting Global Travellers

LOT Polish Airlines is accelerating its international growth strategy with a major network expansion connecting Poland with Southeast Asia and key European destinations through new routes launching between 2026 and 2027. Poland’s national carrier will introduce direct flights from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Bangkok, Thailand, from October 2026 and launch a new Warsaw–Hanoi, Vietnam, service from March 2027, while also adding seasonal and year-round European routes from Warsaw and Gdańsk. The expansion aims to strengthen Warsaw’s position as a major Central and Eastern European aviation hub, improve access to Thailand and Vietnam tourism markets, and create stronger connections between European travellers and global destinations.

The new network programme represents one of LOT Polish Airlines’ most ambitious international growth moves in recent years, combining long-haul Southeast Asian expansion with targeted European route development. The airline will operate its new Asian services using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, supporting increased passenger capacity, long-distance comfort and improved connectivity between Europe and Asia.

LOT Polish Airlines Returns to Thailand With New Warsaw Bangkok Route

One of the biggest developments in LOT Polish Airlines’ expansion plan is the return of scheduled direct flights between Poland and Thailand through a new Warsaw–Bangkok connection. The route will begin on October 7, 2026, linking Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The service will initially operate three times weekly before increasing frequency during the winter schedule, providing more travel options for passengers heading to Thailand.

Warsaw–Bangkok Route Details

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most important tourism gateways, attracting millions of international visitors every year through its combination of cultural heritage, luxury hotels, shopping districts, food experiences and connections to Thailand’s island and coastal destinations. The new direct service will provide Polish travellers with easier access to Thailand while also opening a more convenient route for visitors from Central and Eastern Europe. Travellers from nearby markets will be able to use Warsaw as a connecting point for direct access to Southeast Asia.

For Thailand’s tourism industry, stronger air links with Poland create new opportunities to increase visitor arrivals from European markets, particularly during the winter travel season when demand for warm-weather destinations rises. LOT’s Bangkok expansion also supports Warsaw Chopin Airport’s role as an international transfer hub by adding another long-haul destination to its growing global network.

Warsaw Hanoi Route Expands LOT’s Southeast Asia Strategy

Following the Bangkok launch, LOT Polish Airlines will further strengthen its Asian presence with a new direct service connecting Poland with Vietnam. The Warsaw–Hanoi route will begin on March 31, 2027, operating year-round with three weekly flights using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Hanoi will become LOT’s fifth Asian destination, joining Tokyo, Seoul, Delhi and Bangkok within the airline’s expanding Asia network.

Warsaw–Hanoi Route Schedule

The flight from Warsaw to Hanoi will take approximately 10 hours and 25 minutes, while the return journey will take around 11 hours and 20 minutes. Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, attracting international visitors with its historic cities, beaches, natural landscapes, cuisine and cultural experiences. Hanoi provides access to some of Vietnam’s most recognised attractions, including Ha Long Bay, traditional neighbourhoods, museums and northern mountain destinations.

The launch of direct flights also arrives during a period of increasing travel opportunities between Vietnam and Central Europe. Easier entry policies for several European nationalities have supported stronger tourism connections and simplified travel planning. For Polish and wider European travellers, the new route reduces dependence on indirect connections and creates a smoother journey to Vietnam.

Southeast Asia Expansion Strengthens Warsaw Chopin Airport Hub Role

LOT Polish Airlines’ new Bangkok and Hanoi routes are closely connected with its broader strategy to develop Warsaw Chopin Airport as a leading gateway between Central Europe and global markets. Warsaw’s geographical position allows LOT to connect passengers from Poland and neighbouring European countries with long-haul destinations across Asia.

The airline’s Southeast Asia expansion reflects growing demand for direct international routes that support multiple travel segments, including:

• Leisure tourism
• Business travel
• Cultural exchanges
• International trade
• Cargo transportation

The new routes are expected to strengthen Warsaw’s importance as a transfer hub, offering passengers from Central and Eastern Europe more direct options for reaching Southeast Asia.

Cargo Opportunities Grow Alongside Passenger Connectivity

The new Boeing 787 operations also provide additional cargo opportunities between Asia and Europe. Southeast Asia remains a major manufacturing region, and improved air connectivity can support faster movement of goods between Asian markets and European destinations.

LOT Polish Airlines has also continued developing cargo partnerships to maximise available capacity on long-haul routes, allowing passenger aircraft to contribute to wider trade connections. The combination of passenger demand and cargo potential provides additional support for the airline’s long-term international expansion strategy.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fleet Supports Long-Haul Growth

LOT Polish Airlines will use Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for its new Asian services, continuing the airline’s focus on wide-body long-haul operations. The Dreamliner fleet is designed for international routes, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort compared with older aircraft generations.

LOT is also upgrading its Boeing 787 aircraft with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, improving digital services for passengers travelling on long-distance flights. These improvements support the airline’s ambition to provide a modern travel experience as it expands into more competitive global markets.

LOT Adds New European Routes From Warsaw and Gdańsk

Alongside its Southeast Asian growth, LOT Polish Airlines is expanding its European network with new seasonal and year-round services. The additional routes focus on tourism demand, winter travel and regional business connectivity.

New European Routes Overview

The Warsaw–Tromsø service will provide travellers with easier access to northern Norway during the winter season. Tromsø is internationally recognised for Arctic experiences, including winter landscapes, polar activities and Northern Lights tourism. The Warsaw–Turin route will support winter travel to Italy’s Piedmont region, offering improved access for passengers interested in Alpine holidays, skiing and mountain tourism. The new Gdańsk–Paris Orly route will strengthen direct connectivity between northern Poland and France. Operating throughout the year, the service will support both leisure travellers visiting Paris and business passengers requiring convenient regional connections.

Network Expansion Supports LOT’s 2024–2028 Growth Strategy

The latest route announcements align with LOT Polish Airlines’ wider 2024–2028 strategy focused on international growth, stronger connectivity and Warsaw hub development. By combining long-haul Asian expansion with carefully selected European routes, LOT is building a network designed around changing travel demand. The airline’s expansion into Thailand and Vietnam highlights the growing importance of Southeast Asia within global tourism, while new European services provide additional options for travellers seeking seasonal experiences and major city connections.

The development of Warsaw Chopin Airport as a stronger international hub could further improve Poland’s position within the global aviation market. With new routes covering Southeast Asia, Scandinavia, the Alps and Western Europe, LOT Polish Airlines is creating a broader travel network that connects Polish cities and European passengers with important global destinations. The expansion marks a significant step in Poland’s growing role as a bridge between Europe and Asia, offering travellers more direct routes, greater choice and improved access to some of the world’s most popular tourism regions.