Katowice-Malta Route Hits Half a Million Passengers as Polish Demand Surges
The Katowice-Malta route has carried half a million passengers since 2017, with Polish arrivals to Malta surging 43% in 2025 alone.
Katowice Airport has marked its half-millionth passenger to Malta, a milestone that underscores Poland's growing weight in Malta's tourism mix. The route, which began in 2017, has seen explosive growth in recent years.
In 2023, 52,500 passengers flew the Katowice-Malta sector, the highest figure since the route launched. That number nearly doubled to 102,000 in 2024. Last year, traffic hit 147,000 passengers, a 43% year-on-year increase that made Malta one of the top five destinations from Katowice Airport.
Artur Tomasik, CEO of the company that manages Katowice Airport, said the route is drawing more airlines and travellers. "In 2025 alone, Ryanair and Wizz Air took off from Katowice Airport bound for Malta 411 times," he said. Tomasik thanked the Malta Tourism Authority and said he expects further growth.
John Mary Attard, MTA regional director for Poland, highlighted the strategic value of the Katowice catchment area. "We are talking about a large region with a population of 2.7 million that is growing rapidly," he said. Attard pointed to direct flights and a strong tourism offer as key drivers, and said the MTA is actively marketing in the region. He also flagged business tourism as a growing segment.
MTA Chairman Dr Charles Mangion welcomed the half-million mark as proof of sustained demand from Poland. "This achievement highlights the effectiveness of our long-standing collaboration with key aviation partners and reinforces the importance of connectivity in driving tourism growth," he said.
The numbers back up the optimism. Last year, 387,000 Polish tourists visited Malta, making Poland the third largest source market from Europe. In January 2026, Poland took the top spot. For Malta's tourism businesses, the Katowice connection represents more than a single route.
It demonstrates how regional airports can unlock new demand beyond traditional hub traffic.
The Polish market is also shifting towards year-round travel, supported by the islands' mild climate and increasing flight availability. The MTA wants to build on that momentum by positioning Malta as a diverse destination for both leisure and business visitors. If the growth trajectory from Katowice holds, Poland could become an even more central pillar of Malta's tourism economy.