Birmingham International Airport and low-cost carrier SkyEurope Airlines have announced that Midlanders will be able to fly direct to Krakow, Poland’s fourth largest city, twice a week from 12th April 2006. This is Birmingham’s first scheduled service to Poland.

The flights will depart each Wednesday and Saturday from Birmingham at 08:10, arriving in Krakow at 11:50 local time. Return flights will depart Krakow at 06:00 each Wednesday and Saturday, and will arrive in Birmingham at 07:40.

Peter Vella, BIA’s Business Development Director said, “Krakow has become a major tourist hotspot in Central Europe, primarily fuelled by the introduction of low fare air services. Krakow’s visitor numbers are growing year on year and more than 3 million people are expected to flock to the city this year to experience its many attractions. We are therefore really pleased to add this popular tourist spot to our hundred plus destinations available from Birmingham and give Midlanders more opportunities to experience the delights of Krakow from their doorsteps.”

Christian Mandl, SkyEurope’s CEO said: “Since the opening of our base in Krakow, we have seen a tremendous increase in passenger volume by providing low fare flights to many exciting destinations in Europe. Our promise to develop Krakow as a base and to contribute to the huge upturn of the whole region has been kept and we are pleased to open the first scheduled connection between Birmingham and Krakow. “

With Krakow International Airport just 11 miles from the city centre, the new flights will be ideal for leisure travellers wanting a short city break in this well established tourist destination. Krakow has also become popular with British people wanting dentistry at a fraction of the price of that in the UK. It is such a popular market; specialist tours are now available which include transfers, accommodation and access to fully qualified Polish dentists!

Krakow city centre is situated in the southeast of the country, between the Jura uplands and the Tatra Mountains on the banks of the Vistula River. It has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe with dozens of churches, monasteries and abbeys covering almost every architectural period. For those looking for a relaxing break, there are countless pavement cafes that seem to occupy every cobble of the main market square - one of Europe’s most impressive public spaces.

Mike Oborski, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, based in Kidderminster, UK, said, “I am absolutely delighted that BIA and SkyEurope have announced this new service to Krakow. As well as the large Polish Community which has been here since World War II there are now thousands of young Poles who have come to the West Midlands since Poland joined the EU. Now there will be easy access for those wanting to visit friends and relatives in Poland without having to travel miles to catch a flight. It will also help to boost tourism in both centres, providing new or wider markets for local tourism. With friends, we’ve just booked up for May break in Krakow via SkyEurope from Birmingham at a really super bargain price. It’s too good to miss!!”

SkyEurope is the leading Central European low-cost airline, with bases in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. It is also the first multi-based airline in Central Europe and operates a route network of 64 destinations throughout Europe. Flights from Birmingham will be operated by the airline’s 133 seat 737-500 aircraft.
——-