Krakow John Paul II International Airport, formerly known as Balice Airport, is located in Krakow, Poland and is the second busiest airport in the country. The airport was opened in 1964 and was originally operated by the Polish Air Force. Its first commercial flight was a LOT Polish Airlines flight to London Heathrow Airport in 1967.

In 1993, the airport was renamed after Pope John Paul II, who was born in Krakow and was an important figure in Poland’s history. The airport was renamed in honor of his visit to the city earlier that year.

The airport code, KRK, was determined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the early 1990s. The code is derived from the first two characters of the airport’s name, Krakow, followed by the first two characters of the country’s name, Poland.

Krakow John Paul II International Airport currently serves over 5 million passengers each year and has over 70,000 take-offs and landings annually. It is the hub of LOT Polish Airlines and also serves other major airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Ryanair. The airport handles around 300 flights a day and offers domestic, regional, and international flights.

The airport also contains a museum dedicated to Pope John Paul II and his legacy. It includes artifacts from his life and papacy as well as displays about the airport’s history and its ties to the late pope.

Krakow John Paul II International Airport is an important part of Krakow’s history and serves as a reminder of Pope John Paul II’s influence on the city. The airport is a major hub for the region, providing thousands of jobs and serving as a vital link between Krakow and the rest of the world.