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Budapest Airport has been preparing for months to ensure the seamless handling of airport processes related to the UEFA Champions League final.
In addition to the teams, tens of thousands of fans and guests will arrive in Budapest for this highly anticipated global event, traveling on both chartered and commercial flights. In addition to its usual daily passenger traffic, Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, will need to handle tens of thousands of fans and guests arriving and departing on charter and scheduled flights, as well as private jets. This task requires exceptional coordination between all organizations, companies and authorities involved in the event.
Budapest Airport: Preparations for the UEFA Champions League final Began 10 months ago
Budapest Airport has been preparing for months, together with the authorities and relevant organizations, to ensure the seamless handling of airport processes related to the UEFA Champions League final. Preparatory work began 10 months ago, in the summer of 2025. A special working group was formed under the coordination of Budapest Airport, involving, among others, UEFA, the National Event Management Agency, the Airport Police Directorate, HungaroControl, the National Tax and Customs Administration, the civil aviation authority, the airport ground handling companies and transportation service providers (taxi companies, public transportation companies).
As part of the preparations, all flights operating during the event period (from the day before the match to the day after) are required to submit a preliminary operating permit application. In addition, Budapest Airport is temporarily suspending cargo aircraft movements, training and technical flights, as well as its availability as an alternate airport, thereby ensuring the necessary capacity to handle the increased passenger traffic. Slot allocation will take place with due consideration for priorities related to the event.
"London calling"
The airport has developed special aeronautical and passenger handling procedures for the period of the event, and is also establishing temporary infrastructure elements. As part of this, Budapest Airport will open Terminal 1, which will operate as a full-fledged terminal during the event, handling all Wizz Air flights to and from London.
This means that on 29, 30 and 31 May, some Wizz Air flights to and from London will operate through Terminal 1.
In addition, food and beverage options will be available for passengers inside the building, as well as ranks for the various transportation services will be accessible in front of the terminal buildings.
Significantly increased traffic is expected both before and after the UEFA Champions League final. Over the course of these three days, the additional traffic will consist of dedicated charter flights, general aviation traffic and extra flights added by the airlines. Between 29 and 31 May, the number of flights is expected to double compared to usual levels, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, when nearly 800 flights will operate daily. General aviation traffic will also significantly exceed normal levels.
The largest traffic increase is expected on the London and Paris routes.
Keep this in mind if you are arriving or leaving between May 29-31, 2026
To ensure seamless and safe traffic during the period of the event, the current nighttime restrictions may be exceptionally lifted for certain flights -with the authorization of the relevant authorities- therefore, temporarily increased noise levels can be expected in the surrounding areas. Budapest Airport would like to take this opportunity to ask residents for their patience and understanding.
During the period of the event, all affected organizations will be operating with reinforced staffing, at full capacity, and the work will be supported by many volunteer colleagues. To ensure seamless passenger handling, they are preparing with expanded capacity at the check-in counters, security screening and the border control points. Budapest Airport will ensure the coordination of airport processes throughout the entire period of the event with enhanced operational procedures and a control center involving all relevant organizations.
Due to the increased passenger traffic related to the match on the day of the event and the 1–2 days preceding it, Budapest Airport asks passengers to arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before the departure of their flight, or even earlier if recommended by their airline, to ensure they reach their flight safely.
Please be prepared for possible road closures and traffic congestion, and allow more time than usual for your trip to the airport. Due to increased passenger traffic, scheduled flights may be delayed. Budapest Airport asks all passengers traveling during these three days to continuously monitor flight information systems and check Budapest Airport's website or the airlines' channels for the latest updates.
A dedicated information subpage will also be launched in connection with the event, alongside coordinated communication with UEFA and the airlines.
Source and photo: Bud.hu
