Rome Joins Barcelona, Madrid and San Francisco in the List of New Flight Routes of LOT Polish Airlines

Published on November 27, 2025

LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier of Poland, is setting its sights on 2026 as a pivotal year for growth and expansion. As part of its strategy to strengthen its network and enhance global connectivity, LOT is launching several exciting new flights, increasing frequencies on popular routes, and expanding its fleet to meet rising demand. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or connecting to international destinations, LOT’s expansion plans in 2026 promise to bring new opportunities for travelers worldwide.

New Routes from Kraków: Expanding European Connectivity

One of the key highlights of LOT’s 2026 expansion is its focus on increasing regional connectivity, particularly from Kraków — a city in southern Poland that has long been a key hub for Poland’s aviation market. Starting March 30, 2026, LOT will begin offering three new year-round direct flights from Kraków to major European cities: Rome (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), and Madrid (Spain).

• Kraków ↔ Rome: This new route will operate five times weekly during the summer months, dropping to four times weekly in winter.
• Kraków ↔ Barcelona: This route will operate four times a week, year-round, offering more flexibility for travelers from the south of Poland to reach one of Spain’s most popular destinations.
• Kraków ↔ Madrid: With six weekly flights, this service will be available year-round, allowing passengers to easily access the Spanish capital.

These new routes are a significant step forward for LOT Polish Airlines, increasing access to key Southern European destinations for both business and leisure travelers. The addition of these routes reflects the airline’s strategy to bolster its presence in Poland’s regional airports, providing more options for passengers looking to travel between Poland and key cities in Southern Europe.

Transatlantic Expansion: New Direct Flights to San Francisco

In addition to its regional expansion, LOT is also targeting long-haul markets. As part of its commitment to expanding global connectivity, LOT will launch a new transatlantic route between Warsaw Chopin Airport (Poland) and San Francisco International Airport (USA) starting May 6, 2026. This direct service will operate four times a week on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

San Francisco, a major tech hub and one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, has long been a crucial market for both business and tourism. The new flight from Warsaw to San Francisco will make it easier for Polish travelers to reach the U.S. West Coast, while also offering Americans greater access to Poland and the broader Central European region. The flight will further solidify LOT Polish Airlines as a prominent carrier between Europe and the U.S., complementing its existing routes to cities like Chicago, New York, and Miami.

The launch of this route also marks a strategic move by LOT to enhance its transatlantic network and meet the growing demand for direct flights between Poland and the United States. With this new service, LOT will be able to cater to both the growing number of Polish expatriates in the U.S. and the increasing demand for leisure travel to and from Central Europe.

Increased Frequencies on Existing Routes

Alongside the new routes, LOT Polish Airlines is also increasing the frequency of its flights on several key European routes. One of the most notable changes is the expansion of flights to Nice, France, which will see the frequency increase from 7 weekly flights to 10 weekly flights during the summer season of 2026. This will provide passengers with even more options for flying to one of the French Riviera’s most popular destinations.

Additionally, LOT is enhancing its seasonal and winter schedules by adding extra flights to sunny destinations and holiday hotspots. These changes reflect LOT’s commitment to meeting the needs of travelers seeking warm weather or holiday destinations during peak times, such as summer and winter holiday seasons.

Fleet Expansion: New Aircraft to Support Growth

To support its growing network, LOT Polish Airlines is investing in its fleet to ensure that it has the capacity to meet the rising demand for domestic, European, and long-haul flights. In 2026, LOT will lease two additional Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, further boosting its ability to operate long-haul routes to the United States and beyond.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and comfort, making it the ideal aircraft for long-haul flights. With these new additions, LOT Polish Airlines will be able to offer more flights on its popular routes to the U.S., Asia, and Middle East while maintaining its reputation for excellent customer service.

In addition to the 787s, LOT continues to expand its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which are used on many of its regional European routes. The 737 MAX 8 offers greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, allowing the airline to operate more frequent services while maintaining competitive fares.

A More Accessible Poland: Connecting Regions to Europe and Beyond

The expansion of LOT Polish Airlines is not just about new routes and modernized fleets — it’s also about making Poland more accessible for international travelers. With more routes from regional airports like Kraków and increased frequency on existing services, LOT is working to connect Poland to more parts of Europe and the world. This will not only support tourism but also enhance business opportunities for companies in Poland, further establishing the country as a key player in global commerce.

Implications for Passengers and Future Travel

For travelers, the expansion of LOT Polish Airlines’ network in 2026 offers more choices, greater convenience, and increased competition — all of which should lead to lower fares and improved service. Whether you’re flying from Poland to Southern Europe, heading to the United States, or taking a short regional flight, the increased capacity and service offerings will provide more flexible options for passengers.

Increased flights to popular destinations such as Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, and San Francisco will not only make travel easier but also enhance business connectivity. Moreover, the expansion of the 787 Dreamliner fleet ensures that long-haul travelers will experience greater comfort and reliability.