LOT Polish Airlines, Poland's national carrier, has officially launched a new direct route connecting Warsaw and Lisbon, reinforcing its presence in the Portuguese market. The inaugural flight
took off on Monday, February 3, and early indicators suggest a promising start.
Santiago Pajares, LOT’s manager for Portugal and Spain, expressed confidence in the new route’s success. Speaking to Publituris at an event held at the Polish ambassador’s residence in Portugal, he stated, "The initial sales data is very positive, which makes us optimistic about the future of this operation."
Increasing frequency to daily flights
Currently, the airline operates five flights per week on this route, with plans to transition to daily service starting February 24. This expanded schedule will remain in place throughout the year.
Pajares further revealed that the first flight to Lisbon was "nearly full," with most passengers being tourists. Based on current projections, LOT expects an average load factor of approximately 80% for these flights.
"This is a significant milestone for LOT," he added. "For the first time, we are operating direct flights to Lisbon with our own aircraft, as opposed to the previous code-share agreement with TAP Air Portugal. In addition to catering to tourists, we aim to attract corporate travelers as well."
Targeting the corporate market
The business segment is a key focus for LOT, particularly given the presence of Portuguese companies in Poland. Pajares highlighted Jerónimo Martins, the owner of a major Polish supermarket chain, as an example of the business links between the two countries.
"Our goal is not just to transport tourists," he said. "There is a strong corporate market between Portugal and Poland, and we are keen to serve this segment. While the majority of passengers at this stage are Polish, we aim to increase awareness among Portuguese travelers."
Expanding beyond Poland
Despite being relatively unknown in Portugal, LOT offers a broad international network beyond Poland. Pajares emphasized that passengers flying from Lisbon via Warsaw can reach destinations such as the three Caucasus capitals, the Baltic republics, Scandinavia, and Central Asia, including Uzbekistan.
To enhance its visibility in the Portuguese market, LOT has outlined a targeted promotional strategy. This includes establishing closer ties with travel agencies and participating in key industry events.
"We have already attended the DIT Gestión de Portugal convention, and on February 19, we will be at the Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry workshop, organized by the Polish Embassy," he noted. "Additionally, in March, we will participate in the BTL tourism fair."
Potential for future expansion
While the Lisbon route is still in its early days, Pajares acknowledged that other Portuguese destinations, such as Faro and Porto, could be considered in the future. LOT has previously operated seasonal summer flights to Faro, and Porto is another potential market.
"It’s a good question, but I don’t have a definitive answer yet," he admitted. "Faro, as a highly touristic destination, holds strong potential, as does Porto. If the Lisbon route performs well, expanding our presence in Portugal could be a natural next step."
Flight details
LOT’s Warsaw-Lisbon flights initially operate five times per week, with no service on Thursdays and Saturdays. However, from February 24, the airline will offer daily flights using a Boeing 737-800 MAX, accommodating approximately 180 passengers.
With strong demand and an ambitious growth strategy, LOT Polish Airlines is poised to establish a lasting presence in the Portuguese market, offering both leisure and business travelers a new gateway between the two countries. Photo by Mark Harkin, Wikimedia commons.