Polish Aviation Law: Legal Guide for Airlines, Operators and Investors

Last updated: 02.03.2026

Polish Aviation Market: Key Facts and Regulatory Overview

The aviation sector in Poland is one of the most dynamically developing industries in Europe. However, this dynamic market growth entails the necessity of navigating through a complex maze of legal regulations. Polish aviation law is a system of closely interconnected national regulations – primarily the Aviation Law Act – as well as European Union standards and international conventions.

For any aviation business entering the Polish market, regulatory compliance is therefore not only a legal requirement, but also a practical condition for safe and stable operations in the future.

The following article is a comprehensive introduction to aviation law in Poland, prepared for entrepreneurs, aircraft operators, investors (including the General Aviation industry), and passengers.

Scope of Aviation Law in Poland

Aviation law is a complex field that must be consistent worldwide to ensure passenger safety. In Poland, the foundation is the national act; however, most regulations are directly imposed by EU and international rules.

Polish Aviation Law vs. EU and International Aviation Regulations

Below is a comparison of the key aspects regulated by aviation law in Poland and on the international stage:

How to start commercial aviation activities in Poland? (AOC and License)

Launching an airline or charter business requires meeting rigorous legal standards. Operators in Poland must hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which is a safety certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), and an Operating License for air transport, which serves as economic approval.

These authorizations are essential before an airline operates commercial services or begins other regulated commercial operations in Poland.

To obtain an EU operating license, an enterprise must meet the so-called “four pillars of compliance”:

• Ownership and Control in the EU: More than 50% of the company’s capital must be held by EU member states or their citizens.
• Financial Capacity: A business plan must be presented proving the ability to cover operating costs for the first 24 months, maintaining a capital buffer for 3 months of zero revenue, and having at least one aircraft at its disposal through ownership or a dry lease agreement.
• Insurance: Compliance with EU requirements covering liability towards passengers, third parties, and war risks.
• Good Reputation: Members of the management board must have a clean criminal and bankruptcy record.

Aircraft Trade, Registration and Taxes in Poland

The purchase or lease of an aircraft involves specific legal and tax procedures. The title of ownership of an aircraft is officially documented in the Register of Civil Aircraft. However, encumbrances and mortgages on aircraft or engines are entered into the Polish Register of Pledges.

Key tax aspects:

• VAT: In principle, the standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%. 0% VAT: This rate applies to the supply of aircraft to carriers performing mainly international transport (minimum 60% of operations in the previous year). This status is confirmed by the list of the President of the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) or a relevant foreign document.
• PCC (2%): An aircraft purchase-sale transaction is exempt from PCC taxation if it is subject to VAT.

Airport Infrastructure and Aviation Investments in Poland

The dynamic growth in passenger numbers in Poland has exposed challenges regarding airport capacity. The two largest hubs – Warsaw-Chopin and Kraków-Balice – are operating at the limits of their capabilities. This drives massive infrastructure projects and requires specialized legal services.

CPK and Regional Airport Development in Poland

In addition to the giant CPK project, regional hubs are also expanding. For example, Kraków-Balice Airport is building a new runway with an advanced ILS III landing system and expanding its terminal. The operations of public airports are strictly regulated, which means managers have very limited opportunities to impose arbitrary or favoring requirements on airlines.

The largest Polish airports apply the principles of equal treatment thanks to the services of independent slot coordinators (for take-off and landing times), such as Airport Coordination Ltd.

Airport Construction, Aviation Obstacles and Real Estate Law

Airport development is also a matter of real estate law. A key aspect is the control of so-called aviation obstacles. According to the Aviation Law, all construction or natural objects in the vicinity of airports must be verified in terms of height and potential threat to aviation safety.

Every object located near an airport that, due to its dimensions or location, threatens traffic safety is subject to rigorous legal supervision.

General Aviation and Private Airfields in Poland

Infrastructure is not just about commercial airports. The General Aviation market is constantly growing. Registering a private airfield requires, among other things, the preparation of rigorous cartographic documentation, legal and administrative assistance, and representation before local government, PAŻP, and ULC. Appropriate hangar infrastructure must also be organized.

Drone Law in Poland: UAS Regulations for Operators

The use of drones is currently one of the fastest-growing and most frequently changing areas of aviation law. The drone market in Poland has exploded – there are already over 411,000 registered unmanned aircraft operators in the country (up from 270,000 in mid-2024).

Along with the popularity of drones, authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC), the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP), and the Police have imposed strict safety rules (including nationwide control campaigns). The most important requirements include:

Drone Registration with the Civil Aviation Authority

Every drone operator is obliged to register with the Civil Aviation Authority and to physically place their operator number on the drone.

Zones and the DroneTower app

Before you fly, you are required to verify the flight zones and report every flight in the official DroneTower application. Many cities (such as Warsaw) are located within controlled airport zones (CTR), where drone operations are strictly limited.

VLOS and Prohibitions

Flights generally take place within the visual line of sight (VLOS). It is strictly forbidden to fly over people, roads, critical infrastructure, government facilities, or airports without the appropriate permits.

Mandatory Drone Insurance in Poland

As of November 13, 2025, new rules regarding third-party liability insurance (OC) for drones weighing between 250 g and 20 kg have come into effect.

Detailed maps of zones, regulations, and educational guidelines can be found directly on the ULC website dedicated to drones: drony.gov.pl

Violation of geographical zones or failure to report a flight carries severe administrative penalties and even criminal liability of up to 5 years of imprisonment.

Passenger Rights in Poland: Flight Delays, Cancellations and Claims

Traveler protection is regulated by EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. In the event of denied boarding (so-called overbooking), cancellation, or long flight delays, passengers are entitled to standardized compensation. Supervision over the observance of passenger rights is exercised by the President of the ULC (Civil Aviation Authority), to whom appropriate complaints can be submitted in dispute situations with carriers.

In the course of compensation cases, consensual pre-court settlements are often sought to avoid long-term litigation.

Looking for an Aviation Law Firm in Poland?

Contact our expert regardless of whether you are planning to register an airfield for General Aviation, applying for a ULC license, handling a dispute with an insurer after an aviation incident, or negotiating an equipment supply contract – lawyers in our Law Firm offers comprehensive consultancy.

Our aviation practice represents clients in regulatory, transactional and contentious matters, including administrative proceedings, aviation disputes, civil and criminal cases, aircraft transactions, passenger claims, airport infrastructure projects and compliance with regulatory requirements.

FAQ – Polish Aviation Law