EPWA - Warszawa - Lotnisko Chopina
Aerodrome general information
Aerodrome general information
| ARP | Localization | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 52° 09' 57'' N 020° 58' 02'’ E | 4.3 NM south-west of city centre | 362 ft |
Aerodrome category for firefighting: CAT 9 ICAO
Runway characteristics
| Designations | True bearing | Magnetic bearing | Runway dimensions (m) | SWY dimensions (m) | Strip dimensions (m) | RESA (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 115° | 108° | 2800 x 50 | 261 x 50 | 2860x300 | 240 x 100 |
| 15 | 295° | 146° | 3690 x 60 | NIL | 3810 x 300 | 90 x 120 |
| 29 | 152° | 288° | 2800 x 50 | NIL | 2860x300 | 90 x 100 |
| 33 | 332° | 326° | 3690 x 60 | NIL | 3810 x 300 | 90 x 120 |
Declared distances
| Runway | TORA (m) | TODA (m) | ASDA (m) | LDA (m) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2299 | 2299 | 2560 | 2560 | NIL |
| 11 | 1644 | 1644 | 1905 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY D3 |
| 15 | 3690 | 3690 | 3690 | 3690 | NIL |
| 15 | 3193 | 3193 | 3193 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY D2 |
| 15 | 3133 | 3133 | 3133 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY D3 |
| 15 | 2630 | 2630 | 2630 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY O1 |
| 29 | 2800 | 2800 | 2800 | 2299 | DTHR: 501 m |
| 29 | 2301 | 2301 | 2301 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY R |
| 29 | 2706 | 2706 | 2706 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY E3 |
| 29 | 1918 | 1918 | 1918 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY A4 |
| 33 | 3690 | 3690 | 3690 | 3029 | DTHR: 661 m |
| 33 | 3661 | 3661 | 3661 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY A8 |
| 33 | 3010 | 3010 | 3010 | NIL | INTERSECTION TAKE OFF TWY H2 |
Air traffic services airspace
| Airspace designations | Vertical limits | Airspace classification | ATS unit | Transition altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WARSZAWA/Okęcie CTR | GND - 2000 ft | D | Okęcie TOWER (118.305 MHz) | 6500 ft |
Radio navigation and landing aids
| Type | ID | Frequency/channel |
|---|---|---|
| DME 11 | WAS | CH 36X |
| DME 33 | WA | CH 40X |
| DVOR/DME | OKC | 113.450 MHz / CH 81Y |
| DVOR/DME | WAR | 114.900 MHz / CH 96X |
| ILS GP 11 | - | 333.800 MHz |
| ILS GP 33 | - | 335.000 MHz |
| ILS LOC 11 CAT II | WAS | 109.900 MHz |
| ILS LOC 33 CAT IIIA | WA | 110.300 MHz |
Local aerodrome regulations
Initial climb in EPWA is 6000 ft and the value is published on the charts. Information about it does not have to be issued with departure clearance, but it is highly recommended, especially for newbie pilots.
Okęcie TWR controller does not require clearance from APP Warszawa for takeoff permission (the “departure release” is not required).
Runway 11 and 33, which are mostly used for arrivals, are equipped with rapid exit taxiways (S1, S2, S3, N1, N2, N3). They have been created to reduce runway occupancy time and traffic vacating via rapid exit taxiway should have priority in further taxi instructions to not block the taxiway for another traffic.
If conditions are met, runway reduced separation minima (RRSM) should be applied.
Departures and arrivals of helicopters can be performed from intersection of taxiway D and S3 with runway 33 or intersection of taxiway D with runway 11.
Datalink clearance
In addition to clearances issued via radio, ATS has an option to issue ATC clearance via Datalink Departure Clearance (DCL). Departure Clearance Request (RCD) should be initiated: no earlier than 30 minutes prior to EOBT or CTOT (if CTOT is assigned).
Minimum runway occupancy time
ATC will consider every aircraft at the holding point as able to commence line up and take-off roll after clearance issued with no delay.
Pilots not ready before reaching the holding point (no aircraft in front on the same taxiway) shall advise ATC as early as possible.
Where possible, cockpit checks and cabin readiness shall be completed before line-up and any actions requiring completion on the runway shall be minimised.
If the taxi distance between the parking stand and holding position is short, it is suggested to finish the passenger cabin safety procedures demo before vacating the parking stand.
Wake vortex separation is applied by ATC services in accordance with the published requirements. If more separation than the prescribed minima is requested, pilots shall notify ATC before entering the runway. Pilots shall prepare and be ready to accept the following intersection take-off runs:
| RWY | LIGHT | MEDIUM TURBOPROP | MEDIUM JET | HEAVY | SUPER HEAVY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | D | - | - | - | - |
| 15 | D2, S2, O1, D3 | D2, S2, O1, D3 | D2, S2, O1, D3 | D2 | |
| 29 | E3, R, A4 | E3, R, A4 | E3, R, A4 | - | - |
| 33 | H2, A8 | H2, A8 | H2, A8 | H2, A8 | - |
To increase runway capacity and to comply with slot times, ATC may reorder departure sequence at any time.
Pilots unable to accept the reduced take-off runs from the assigned or above mentioned intersections shall inform ATC no later than upon start-up.
Ground movement procedures
Ground movement instructions are issued by OKĘCIE GROUND, frequency 121.905 MHz.
Power-back operations are allowed at all ACFT stands excluding stands 1-11 and 13-25 (APN 3).
Delivery controller may, after coordination with Ground controller, issue a startup clearance for aircraft not requiring push-back, General Aviation traffic and for traffic on stands, which donot require push-back:
- 31 - 42,
- 71 - 74,
- 101 - 105,
- 701 - 707.
Jetway stands are assigned according to flight origin airport and are divided into three groups:
- flights from the Schengen Zone - stands 1-3 and 17-24,
- flights from outside the Schengen Zone - stands 5-7 and 9-14,
- flights from any airport - stands 4, 8, 15 and 16.
Low-cost airline flights and small aircraft should not be parked at jetway stands.
General Aviation traffic should be parked at Apron 1 or Apron 11 (unless pilot request another stand).
Entry to stands on Apron 5A, 5B and 7A should be performed from TWY M, facing to TWY A.
Alternate stands on Apron 7A and Apron 7B are limited to category C aircraft.
| STAND NO | RESTRICTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | 26 m |
| 2-8 | 36 m |
| 55L, 55R, 56-59 | 36 m |
| 3A, 5A, 7A | 61 m |
| 55 | 65 m |
When stand 3A is used, STD 3 and STD 4 are not available.
When stand 5A is used, STD 5 and 6 are not available.
When stand 7A is used, STD 7 and 8 are not available.
Taxiways ZO (Zulu Orange) and ZB (Zulu Blue) allow simultaneous taxi in opposite directions of two aircraft with wingspan less than 36 meters.
Taxiway UO (Uniform Orange) allow taxi into stands 3A, 5A and 7A for ACFT with wingspan up to 61 m.
During aircraft taxiing on TWY Z - TWY Z Orange and TWY Z Blue are closed for taxiing of other aircraft.
| TWY | RESTRICTION | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|
| A2-A8, E1-E4, J, L, M1-M3, O2, U1, Z1-Z2, LINK3, LINK4 | 65 m | NIL |
| UO | 61 m | NIL |
| E2 between TWY E1 and TWY R | 52 m | FOLLOW ME car required for aircraft with wingspan above 52 m |
| ZO and ZB | 36 m | used for simultaneous taxi in opposite directions |
| A0-A1, G, H2, U2-U3, V, W, Z3-Z5, P | 36 m | NIL |
A380-800, AN124-100, B747-8, C5B Galaxy operations:
Available taxiways:
TWY A1, A2, A3 (between D2 and Z1), A5-A8, A7, G (between TWY A6 and stand 102), H2, L, M (between stand 702 and Z1), S2, S3, Z1-Z2.
Taxiing on TWY A between TWY Z and RWY11/29 is prohibited.
Controller shall instruct the crew to taxi via RWY15/33 and RWY11/29 (to access TWY A5 or L).
Available stands:
- 10,
- 61,
- 64-66 (without alternate L/R stands),
- 74 (accessible from TWY A only, pushback onto TWY A),
- 102 (accessible both from TWY G and L),
- 702 (accessible from TWY A only).
Ground Traffic Surveillance
Warszawa-Okęcie Airport is equipped with a ground traffic surveillance system using mode S.
Departing aircraft shall select the assigned code (squawk) and activate Mode S before commencing push-back at the latest or, when push-back is not necessary, before commencing taxi. TCAS shall not be activated before obtaining a line-up clearance.
The transponder of a landing aircraft shall be turned on until the aircraft stops at the parking position. TCAS shall be deactivated immediately upon vacating the RWY.
Aircraft DE-ICING
The de-icing time shall not be taken into consideration when the TOBT is defined. They are, however, considered in the TSAT calculation based on the request for de-icing. Due to the influence of de-icing on sequencing, it is highly recommended to request de-icing before the TSAT is issued (40 minutes before TOBT).
De-icing of ACFT allowed only on aprons 7A, 10 (stands 55L, 55, 55R) and 13.
Report the necessity for de-icing when requesting ATC clearance to OKĘCIE DELIVERY – FREQ 121.605 MHz.
For start-up/push back contact OKĘCIE GROUND – FREQ 121.905 MHz – only when completely ready (all passengers on board, doors closed, tug connected if required).
De-icing position will be assigned depending on air traffic flow and ACFT type, taxi according to ATC instructions.
VFR traffic
VFR flights in the CTR EPWA should follow published VFR routes, and shortcuts other than those published are not allowed.
The standard (cruise) altitude for VFR traffic in the CTR EPWA is 1500 ft, due to dense urban development around the airport and high obstacles such as buildings. Flights below this altitude should not take place, whereas flights above this altitude require coordination with the APP or ACC controller if the sector is active.
Descending below 1500 ft is permitted only during flights in the immediate vicinity of the airport, following published procedures regarding VFR points, approaches, and runway operations.
The VFR traffic circuit at EPWA airport is non-standard and should be flown according to the limitations published on charts.
CTR Okęcie is Class D airspace.
At EPWA radar service is provided for airborne traffic. Traffic is controlled according to PANS-ATM 4444 Chapter 8.
Low Visibility Procedures (LVP)
LVP operations will be commenced when any of the RVR falls below 550 m and/or the cloud ceiling falls below 200 ft. LVP will be terminated when all of the RVR increase over 550 m and the cloud ceiling reaches 200 ft or more and a continuing improvement is anticipated. Pilots are informed about LVP being in operation via ATIS or by radio, with use of following phraseology: “Low visibility procedures in operation.”
| Phase | RVR | Cloud ceiling or VV |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | ≤ 800 m | ≤ 300 ft (90m) |
| LVP | < 550 m | < 200 ft (60m) |
| Suspension | ≥ 550 m | ≥ 200 ft (60m)* |
*continuing improvement is anticipated
In accordance with NOTAM A2490/26, effective from 28 Sep 2026 to 30 Dec 2026:
- LVP operations will be commenced when any of the RVR TDZ falls below 800 m and/or RVR falls below 550 m and/or the cloud ceiling falls to or below 300 ft.
- LVP will be terminated when RVR TDZ ARR RWY increase to 800 m or more and/or all of the RVR increase to 550 m or more and the cloud ceiling reaches 300 ft or more and a continuing improvement is anticipated.
During LVP some taxiways cannot be used by arriving traffic:
| RWY | AVAIL TWY | NOT-AVAIL TWY |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | N1, N2, N3, R | A4, A5, D3, E3 |
| 33 | S2, S3, D2, A0 | S1, O1, D3 |
During LVP TWY Z Orange and TWY Z Blue may be used with RVR above 300 m.
During LVP take-offs and landings are available on all RWY 11/29 and RWY 15/33 directions.
In accordance with NOTAM A2863/26, effective from 01 Oct 2026 to 24 Oct 2026: During LVP procedure take-off from RWY 15 is prohibited.
Take-offs are prohibited if any of the RVR values is less than 125 m.