LOT Polish Airlines: The Warsaw Hub, the Changing Fleet and the 2025 Growth

History and positioning

Among the longest-lived airlines still in operation, LOT remained under Polish state control even after the risk of bankruptcy it faced around 2012, from which it emerged with a restructuring that relaunched the transatlantic hub model in Warsaw. Joining Star Alliance in 2003 strengthened this role as a gateway for passengers from Central and Eastern Europe in transit to the United States and Canada.

The fleet

Most of the short- and medium-haul fleet is made up of Embraer E170, E175, E190 and E195 aircraft. Since the end of 2025 the first Boeing 737 MAX 8s have been added, with 13 aircraft expected in service by mid-2026 and refurbished cabins with USB-C ports and six-position adjustable headrests. On long-haul, the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners operate, to be joined by two more 787-8s in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Routes and network

In 2025 LOT added new routes from Warsaw to Lisbon, Malta, Marrakech, Rovaniemi, Stavanger and Thessaloniki, as well as a new Gdańsk-Istanbul link, closing the year with 11.7 million passengers, up 9.4% on 2024. The strategy remains to channel through Warsaw the traffic from Central-Eastern Europe and Scandinavia connecting to intercontinental flights.

On board and service

On long-haul the Dreamliner offers business, premium economy and economy classes, while short-haul on the new MAXs benefits from the refurbished cabins. The loyalty program integrates with Miles & More thanks to Star Alliance membership.

What passengers say

Feedback praises the efficiency of connections in Warsaw for those traveling from Central Europe and the comfort of the refurbished long-haul cabins, while the most recurring criticisms concern the cramped space of the old regional Embraers and winter delays linked to de-icing.

LOT is a good choice for those routing a trip from Central-Eastern Europe to North America via Warsaw on a Star Alliance ticket. It is less suitable for those looking for the roomiest economy seat on a regional route, since much of the short-haul flying is still on compact Embraers. If you have a connection in Warsaw to a transatlantic Dreamliner flight in winter, leave extra time: de-icing delays are more frequent in that season.