Fog at Krakow Airport is a common cause of flight delays and diversions. Although modern aircraft are technically capable of landing in near-zero visibility, the key limitation in Krakow (EPKK) is the airport's infrastructure. Let's check the specific visibility minima.
ILS Category in Krakow - Key to Understanding
Krakow-Balice Airport is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category I (CAT I). It is the ILS category that determines the minimum visibility at which pilots can attempt a landing.
Minima for Krakow (ILS CAT I)
- RVR (Runway Visual Range): typically not less than 550 meters.
- Decision Height (DH): 200 feet (approx. 60 meters).
This means that if the measuring equipment on the runway shows visibility (RVR) below 550 meters, the plane – no matter how modern it is – usually cannot land and must be diverted (e.g., to Katowice or Warsaw).
Required Visibility for Popular Aircraft
The table below presents the most popular aircraft types operating in Krakow along with their technical capabilities and the actual limit applicable at Krakow Airport.
| Aircraft Model | Max Technical Capabilities (at other airports) | Required Visibility in Krakow (Airport Limit) |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 / MAX | CAT IIIb (75m RVR) | ~550m RVR |
| Airbus A320 / A321 / neo | CAT IIIb (75m RVR) | ~550m RVR |
| Embraer E190 / E195 | CAT IIIa (200m RVR) | ~550m RVR |
| Boeing 787 Dreamliner | CAT IIIb (75m RVR) | ~550m RVR |
* Values are approximate and depend on specific procedures, runway lighting status, and crew certifications.
Airlines in Krakow and Their Fleet
Here is a list of major airlines operating from Balice and the aircraft you can most easily spot on the apron. All of them are subject to the same visibility restrictions resulting from the airport's ILS category.
Ryanair / Buzz
- Boeing 737-800 – The workhorse of the fleet, the most common sight in Krakow.
- Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 – A modern, quieter version with distinctive winglets.
Wizz Air
- Airbus A321neo – The newest and largest narrow-body in the fleet.
- Airbus A321 – Older version of the popular Airbus.
- Airbus A320 – The base model, now less common than the A321.
LOT Polish Airlines
- Boeing 737-800 / MAX 8 – Serves popular European routes and charters.
- Embraer E195 / E190 – Ideal for shorter routes and regional airports.
- Embraer E175 – Smaller jet, often flying to Warsaw.
Lufthansa
- Airbus A319 / A320 / A321 – The A320 family performs most flights to Frankfurt and Munich.
- Embraer E190 / E195 – Operated by Lufthansa CityLine on routes with lower demand.
- Bombardier CRJ-900 – Regional jet, though appears less frequently.
KLM
- Embraer E195-E2 – Modern, quiet, and fuel-efficient aircraft.
- Embraer E190 – Predecessor of the E2 version.
- Boeing 737-800 – Used on routes with the highest demand (Amsterdam).
See also
- Current fog status in Krakow – check if there are disruptions today.
- Detailed visibility (RVR) – live data from the airport.
- Where are flights diverted? – learn what happens when landing is not possible.
- What is ILS? – technical explanation of the landing aid system.