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The foundation stone for Budapest Airport's new terminal complex has been laid. The €1 billion investment is a significant milestone: the goal is to transform the existing facility and build a new-generation airport in Budapest.
During a ceremony attended by Viktor Orbán, Hungarian Prime Minister, Márton Nagy, Minister for National Economy, Nicolas Notebaert, President of VINCI Concessions and VINCI Airports, and François Berisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, the foundation stone of the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport’s new terminal was laid, officially marking the beginning of ambitious expansion and modernization works.
Following an exceptional year in 2025, during which the airport welcomed nearly 20 million passengers, representing a +35% increase* in traffic since VINCI Airports took over operations after a joint investment with the State of Hungary, this large-scale project aims to meet the growing demands of air traffic and deliver world-class facilities tailored to the future needs of travellers.
This development program, supported by a total investment of €1 billion over the next 10 years, ranks among the most significant airport investment projects in Central Europe during the coming decade.
The program includes:
- A new main terminal spanning 35,000 m², featuring centralized check-in facilities, optimized security screening areas, and integrated commercial spaces to create a seamless and enhanced passenger experience.
- A new 19,000 m² passenger pier along with the expansion of aircraft apron areas over 132,000 m², which will include 13 new aircraft stands and a dedicated de-icing area.
- Refurbishment of car parks, improvements to external and internal roads, and curbside upgrades to match the new centralized building.
In September, significant improvements to the airport's infrastructure were announced, including the construction of a direct rail link to the airport, as well as the renovation and expansion of the expressway leading to the airport with additional lanes.
In parallel, targeted improvements to Terminal 2 have already begun to ensure a smooth transition until the new facilities are delivered. These include reconfiguring the passenger check-in hall to expand space and add counters, upgrading security lanes for faster screening, and implementing advanced screening systems. Automatic gates have been reoriented, and a dedicated lane for passengers with reduced mobility, families, and Fast Track Lane users is being created. In addition, the area of Pier B will be expanded, providing even greater capacity for handling passengers arriving from non-Schengen areas.
Nicolas Notebaert emphasized during the event: “Today’s laying of the foundation stone is a very important moment for Budapest Airport, but also for Hungary’s aviation industry and economy. The heightened interest in Hungary and Budapest among foreign visitors, the upward trend in Hungarians’ propensity to travel and the record traffic recorded at the airport last year confirm our ambition: we are determined to deliver a modern, world-class aerial gateway for Hungary, prepared to meet the needs of travellers in the years to come.”
With an incremental capacity increase of more than 10 million passengers, the modernized airport will cement its international role.
Source and photo: Bud.hu
