Tenerife is set to strengthen its connection with Europe as LOT Polish Airlines, the national carrier of Poland, will begin direct flights between Tenerife and Warsaw starting 27 November. This new route, announced on Wednesday by the Cabildo of Tenerife, will operate three times a week, providing a direct link between the Polish capital and Tenerife South Airport.
The flights, which will be operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, will accommodate 189 passengers, including business class options. The service will be available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a flight duration of approximately six hours. The connection is planned to run throughout the winter season, catering to the increasing number of Polish tourists who choose Tenerife as their holiday destination. In fact, around 35% of Polish visitors to the Canary Islands stay in hotels and apartments on the island.
Lope Afonso, Vice President and Minister of Tourism for Tenerife, highlighted the significance of this new route, noting that it enhances Tenerife’s competitiveness in the growing Polish market, particularly during the winter season. Afonso emphasized that the partnership with LOT Polish Airlines, as the Polish flag carrier, aligns with Tenerife’s strategy to attract visitors with higher purchasing power and improve the island’s connectivity.
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Turismo de Tenerife, also expressed optimism about the new route, stating that it supports the ongoing efforts to strengthen the island’s connectivity strategy. The main focus has been on securing direct routes with major flag carriers that offer business class options and modern fleets, contributing to sustainable mobility—a key element of Tenerife’s strategic tourism plan.
The impact of this connection is already evident. Last year, Tenerife welcomed 104,646 Polish tourists staying in hotels and apartments. From January to June 2024, the number of Polish visitors increased to 69,738, marking a 37.9% rise compared to the same period in 2023. In 2023, air connections from Poland brought more than 154,000 Polish visitors to Tenerife, a 28.2% increase over the previous year. The cumulative number of Polish travelers up to July 2024 has surged to over 124,000, representing a 55.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The Cabildo of Tenerife also notes that the island’s tourism strategy in Poland includes promoting Tenerife’s diverse offerings, such as its natural landscapes, outdoor activities, cultural heritage, traditions, and gastronomy, along with the wide range of experiences available to visitors.
