The new retail area will centre ‘sense of place’.

Baltona has won the tender process to develop a new 500sq m retail space in the passenger terminal at Kraków–Balice John Paul II International Airport.

According to the company, the modern retail area will centre ‘sense of place’, reflecting the local character of Kraków and the surrounding region. The project will be delivered in collaboration with The Design Solution.

The Kraków Duty Free by Baltona store opened at the airport on 16 March, ahead of the planned refurbishment.

A key operational feature of the new facility will be a simplified passenger flow, enabling travellers departing to non-Schengen destinations to access the full range of retail and food & beverage options within the Schengen zone.

Baltona CEO Wojciech Czernek commented: “The choice of Baltona’s concept confirms that, in today’s travel retail market, understanding the traveller’s perspective is what counts most. Our concept, which aligns with the ambitions of Kraków Airport – one of the fastest-growing airports in Europe – goes far beyond the scope of a traditional retail space.

Baltona prioritises passenger needs

“We have tailored the entire design process to passengers’ needs, combining innovative solutions with elements that highlight the cultural identity of Kraków and the entire region. The new Baltona zone will provide visitors not only with a comfortable shopping experience and the highest quality of service, but above all with unique experiences they will not find at any other airport.

“We are particularly pleased that we are embarking on this project in the year of Baltona’s 80th anniversary. We want modern and bold ventures such as this to define our development in the coming decades.”

A key operational feature of the new commercial space will be a simplified passenger flow.

The Design Solution Director Nick Taylor noted: “From the very beginning, we were thrilled by the opportunity to be part of this unique, innovative project. For us, the central idea was to combine the contemporary energy of Kraków’s residents with the cultural heritage of the city and the entire region, which dates back over a thousand years.

“The Wawel Dragon served as a source of inspiration, and this is reflected in the visual motif of dragon scales featured throughout the new spaces, which also pays homage to Kraków’s most famous legend.

The retail project will be delivered in collaboration with The Design Solution.

“Alongside the modern and original design, the foundation of the project is the shop’s open, transparent layout. Thanks to the use of many advanced digital solutions, even frequent visitors will experience something completely new with every subsequent visit.”

Baltona Development Director Marcin Kiryluk added: “The investment at Kraków Airport is of strategic importance to us, and the scale of the operation will allow us to introduce a range of modern solutions to enhance sales efficiency, service speed and the shopping experience for our guests.”

The development is part of Baltona’s broader commercial partnership with the airport, which continues to expand its route network and passenger traffic. The airport handled more than 13.2 million passengers in 2025, with further growth expected.

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