Budapest Airport Terminal

Budapest Airport Celebrates Anniversary With Focus on Ferenc Liszt

Culture / 10 March 2025 /

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025 with a series of cultural events, passenger engagement activities, and infrastructure developments. Since its official opening on May 7, 1950 (the same years as when Greater Budapest was created), as Ferihegy Airport, it has grown from a modest facility handling around 50,000 passengers annually into a key transportation hub in Central Europe. Over the decades, the airport has undergone significant transformations, expanding its runways, terminals, and services to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and technological advancements.

During the 1960s and 1980s, the airport saw the expansion of Runway I and Terminal 1, the construction of Runway II and a new air traffic control tower, and the development of Terminal 2. In 2011, it was renamed in honor of Hungary’s celebrated composer, Ferenc Liszt, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. A year later, the SkyCourt building was inaugurated, connecting Terminals 2A and 2B and greatly enhancing the passenger experience. By 2024, the airport had reached a record-breaking 17.6 million passengers, solidifying its position as a major gateway to the region.

A mini-statue of composer Ferenc Liszt by artist Mihály Kolodko at Terminal 2A  

To mark this milestone, Budapest Airport is planning a year-long celebration beginning on May 7, 2025. The program will include musical performances within the terminals, featuring both classical and modern interpretations of Liszt’s works. Interactive exhibitions will showcase the airport’s history and its role in Hungarian aviation, while digital platforms will allow global travelers to join the festivities online.

As the airport looks to the future, its integration into the VINCI Airports network is expected to bring further developments, including the long-anticipated Terminal 3. These efforts aim to accommodate future growth while maintaining the airport’s role as a leading hub in Central Europe.