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).
What happens when visibility drops below the minimum?
When RVR at Krakow Airport drops below 550 metres, air traffic control activates Low Visibility Procedures (LVP). Arriving aircraft enter a holding pattern and wait for conditions to improve. If visibility doesn't recover within the aircraft's fuel reserves, the crew must divert to an alternate airport.
The most common alternate airports for Krakow are:
- Katowice (KTW) — 80 km west, the most frequent diversion destination.
- Rzeszów (RZE) — 170 km east, used when fog covers the entire Krakow area.
- Warsaw (WAW) — 300 km north, chosen for long-haul flights with ample fuel.
For departures, low visibility means increased spacing between takeoffs, leading to delays. De-icing in winter adds further time to the turnaround process.
You can monitor the current situation on fog at Krakow Airport today or the flight information page.
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.
- Best months to fly from Krakow – seasonal fog risk and planning tips.
FAQ
What visibility is needed to land at Krakow Airport?
Krakow Airport has ILS Category I, which requires a minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR) of approximately 550 metres. Below this threshold, aircraft cannot attempt a landing regardless of their technical capabilities.
Can a Boeing 737 land in fog at Krakow?
The Boeing 737-800 and MAX are technically capable of landing in visibility as low as 75 metres (CAT IIIb), but at Krakow they are limited to the airport's 550m RVR minimum due to the ILS Category I system.
Why can't modern aircraft use their full capabilities at Krakow?
The aircraft capability is only half of the equation. The airport must also have the matching ground infrastructure — ILS Category II or III systems, enhanced runway lighting, and certified ground procedures. Krakow currently has only Category I.
Where do planes go if they can't land in Krakow?
When visibility drops below minimums, flights are typically diverted to Katowice (KTW, 80 km away), Rzeszów (RZE) or Warsaw (WAW). The choice depends on weather at the alternate and the aircraft's remaining fuel.