Ruth Haines
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (IATA: RZE, ICAO: EPRZ) is an international airport located in Jasionka, a village 6.2 to 7.8 miles (10 to 12.5 kilometres) from the centre of the city of Rzeszów in southeastern Poland. It is the eighth-busiest airport in Poland, featuring the country's third-longest runway at 3,200 metres (10,500 feet). The airport has been essential in providing aid to Ukraine during the Russian invasion, serving as a hub for the movement of weapons, medical supplies, and people in and out of the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Rzeszów Ulma Airport |
| IATA | RZE |
| ICAO | EPRZ |
| Location | Jasionka, a village 7.8 km (4+7⁄8 mi) or 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Rzeszów, Poland |
| Runway Length | 3,200 m × 45 m (10,500 ft × 150 ft) |
| Runway Capacity | Can handle large aircraft like Antonov An-124, An-225, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and Boeing 747 |
| Terminals | 1 passenger terminal opened in 2012 |
| Transport to Rzeszów | Rail link to Rzeszów Główny railway station (18 minutes), scheduled bus services, and car/cab |
| Amenities | Observation deck, luggage storage, a chapel, VIP services, assistance for people with disabilities |
| Usage | Handles international and domestic flights; served over 1 million passengers in 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport's history
The Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport is an international airport located in southeastern Poland, in Jasionka, a village 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the centre of the city of Rzeszów. It is the eighth-busiest airport in Poland and features the third-longest runway in the country. The airport is capable of handling some of the world's largest aircraft, such as the Antonov An-124 and An-225, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and the Boeing 747.
The history of the Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport dates back to the 1940s. The first facilities were built in 1940, but they were destroyed in 1944. Passenger domestic services to the airport began on 30 November 1945, with the opening of a circular domestic airline route connecting major Polish cities, including Warsaw, Łódź, Kraków, Lublin, and others. In 1949, the airport was rebuilt and opened for commercial traffic.
In 1959, the airport administration was taken over by the Management of Air Traffic and Communication Airports, which led to constant upgrades and improvements to the airport infrastructure. A new terminal, a square in front of the terminal, taxiways, a runway, and a traffic control tower were built. During the 1960s and 1970s, there was a significant rise in domestic flights, allowing the airport to serve more than 100,000 passengers per year. On April 1, 1974, the Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport became an international airport and an alternate airport for the Warsaw-Okęcie Airport.
In 1999, the Polish Air Force, which had a presence at the airport since its opening, permanently closed its Rzeszów–Jasionka air base as part of an agreement with the Polish Ministry of Defence. Despite this, the airport continued to develop and, in the late 1990s, it established charter cargo and passenger flight connections with Azerbaijan and Georgia, becoming a leader in the national group of regional airports in terms of freight shipments.
In 2006, construction began on a new passenger terminal, which opened in May 2012. This new terminal significantly changed the image of the airport, combining departures and arrivals into one building and supporting them with technical and commercial infrastructure. The new terminal has a capacity of 720 passengers per hour and can ultimately reach a level of 1,400 passengers per hour, allowing for an annual throughput of 1.8 million passengers.
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport played a crucial role as a trans-shipment hub for Ukraine's civil, NGO, and government supporters. It was used to resupply Ukraine with medical aid, weapons, and supplies. The airport also saw visits from notable figures, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US President Joe Biden, and the Prince of Wales, who met with troops and officials.
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Runway and aircraft capabilities
The Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport is located 7.8 kilometres (4+7⁄8 miles) or 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of Rzeszów in southeastern Poland. The airport features the third-longest runway in Poland, measuring 3,200 metres by 45 metres (10,500 feet by 150 feet). This enables the airport to accommodate some of the largest aircraft in the world, including the Antonov An-124 and An-225, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and the Boeing 747.
The airport has been experiencing rapid expansion, with the construction of a new passenger terminal that opened in May 2012. This new terminal is four times the size of the previous one, offering 14,000 square metres of usable area, which can accommodate up to 700 passengers per hour and 1.5 million passengers annually. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including an observation deck, luggage storage, a chapel, baby changing rooms, a first aid facility, and comprehensive VIP services.
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport has become an essential gateway for people and supplies entering Ukraine, especially during the 2022 Russian invasion. It has seen an increased presence of military, cargo, and VIP aircraft, contributing to spikes in regular traffic. The long runway and reliable freight handling facilities make it ideal for cargo and military operations, with civilian cargo operators utilising the Boeing 747 and Antonov An-124 for supply transportation.
In addition to cargo operations, there has been a notable increase in the deployment of private jets such as the Cessna Citation (C560), Gulfstream V (GLF5), and Dassault Falcon 900 (F900). These aircraft are often used by high-net-worth individuals but have also served as air ambulances during the conflict, evacuating the wounded. The Beechcraft 100 King Air (BE10) turboprop, a popular choice for private ambulances, can carry 1-2 patients in a medical configuration.
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Transport to and from the airport
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport is an international airport located in southeastern Poland, in Jasionka, a village 7.8 kilometres (4+7⁄8 miles) or 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the centre of the city of Rzeszów.
There are several transport options for travelling to and from Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport.
Train
The airport has a rail link to Rzeszów Główny railway station, with trains operated by Polregio. The journey takes 18 minutes and a single ticket costs 4 PLN or $2-$3.
Bus
There are also scheduled bus services from MPK and MKS to Rzeszów city centre. The Line 51 bus costs $2-$3 and takes 33 minutes. Alternatively, there is a bus from Jasionka Borg 07 to Bardowskiego 04, operated by Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego w Rzeszowie, which takes 28 minutes.
Car
The driving distance between Rzeszów Airport and Rzeszów Główny Station is 8 miles, and it takes approximately 14 minutes to drive. A taxi from the airport to the station takes around the same time and costs $10-$12.
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Terminal facilities and services
Rzeszów Airport has a long runway, capable of accommodating some of the largest passenger and transport aircraft in the world, including the Antonov An-124 and An-225, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and the Boeing 747. The airport is located near the A4 highway and the S8 route, making it easily accessible by car or cab. There are two parking lots next to the terminal.
The airport offers scheduled bus services to the city centre, with a journey time of less than 40 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can take a train from the airport to Rzeszów Główny railway station in just 18 minutes.
Rzeszów Airport has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the 1940s. The current terminal was completed in 2012, and the airport has been undergoing rapid expansion since then. It is the eighth-busiest airport in Poland and has maintained its status among those with over one million passengers annually.
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Military and political usage
The Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport, located in southeastern Poland, has been used for military and political purposes, particularly during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. With its proximity to the Ukrainian border, the airport served as a critical gateway for the transportation of weapons, medical supplies, and other essential aid to Ukraine. It also facilitated the movement of individuals, including government officials and troops, between Poland and Ukraine.
During the conflict, the airport witnessed a significant surge in military traffic, with the United States Air Force, United States Army, and the air forces of nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and France contributing to this increase. The airport's lengthy runway, capable of accommodating large aircraft, and its reliable freight handling facilities made it well-suited for military and cargo operations. As a result, it played a strategic role in the delivery of military aid to Ukraine, including the UK's supply of NLAW and Javelin missiles.
In March 2022, the United States deployed two MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to the airport as a defensive precaution. This move underscored the airport's significance in the broader geopolitical context. The airport also served as a meeting point for diplomatic engagements, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba in March 2022.
The airport has undergone expansion and modernisation efforts, including the construction of a new passenger terminal that opened in May 2012. These developments aimed to enhance the airport's efficiency and capacity, making it better equipped to handle the influx of military, cargo, and passenger traffic associated with its role as a gateway to Ukraine.
Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport's proximity to Ukraine and its modern infrastructure have solidified its position as a pivotal hub for military and political activities during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Its usage exemplifies how airports can serve as vital logistical centres for the transportation of critical supplies and the facilitation of diplomatic endeavours during times of international crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Rzeszów Ulma Airport, also known as Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport, is the newest airport in Rzeszów. It is located in the village of Jasionka, 7.8km north of Rzeszów.
The airport has been operating in its current form since 2012, when a new passenger terminal was completed.
Rzeszów is the capital of the Subcarpathian region, which attracts tourists due to its geographical and natural advantages, such as the Carpathian Mountains, Bieszczady Mountains, Solina, and part of Roztocze. The city is also home to the Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park and the Rzeszów-Dworzysko Special Economic Zone.
You can get to Rzeszów Ulma Airport by car, cab, bus, or train. The airport is located near the A4 highway and the S8 route, which makes it conveniently accessible by car or cab. There are two parking lots next to the airport terminal. There are also scheduled bus services from MPK and MKS to Rzeszów city centre, and a new rail link that opened in October 2023, with tickets costing 4 PLN.
