Robust traffic growth boosts development at Budapest Airport

Growth is the keyword for Budapest Airport in the coming years both in terms of connectivity and development. Growing passenger numbers and cargo traffic trends continue in 2017 while the increasing demand triggers a series of development projects for the airport operator. The drive to further improve the quality of service and enhance passenger experience at the airport of the Hungarian capital is stronger than ever.

“Budapest Airport continues to attract new airlines, and existing partners are adding new destinations, increasing their frequencies or capacity, and expanding their networks in 2017. Soon after the launch of easyJet’s new Budapest-Amsterdam service we expect further airline announcements in the coming weeks,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Budapest Airport. He added, “We must answer this demand both in terms of capacity and service level; this is why we have launched our 160-million-euro (50 bn. HUF) BUD 2020 airport development program a year ago. This year there are construction cranes all over the airport so we are right in the middle of the airport development program.”

This January the construction of a 10 000-square-meter passenger pier commenced with site preparation for the 20-month project on the apron in front of Terminal T2B. The new pier will provide direct docking for up to 10 category C (Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 size) single aisle aircraft or by using the same jetties it can serve simultaneously 3 wide-body aircraft (mostly long-haul aircraft of the Airbus A330 or Boeing 777 size) and another four category C aircraft on its other side. The new pier will provide altogether 27 different embarking options by adding bus gates and allowing for walk-on/walk-off gates depending on airline requirements. The new pier will also increase the area of immigration control for arriving passengers. The construction contractor is KÉSZ Zrt., a proven airport partner who built SkyCourt, the central terminal area, between 2009 and 2011.

The construction of a new hotel is in full swing in the area in front of Terminal 2B on the landside, a 2-minute walk from the terminal. The hotel will have 145 rooms and ample conference facilities, and will be operated under the brand name of ibis Styles Budapest Airport Hotel. The four-storey hotel building complete with restaurant facilities will also offer a new parking area for hotel guests and a direct connection with the airport terminal.

This year alone Budapest Airport will add approximately 1000 new spaces to existing car parks bringing the total number of available parking spaces to over 4.600. There is a 5-category parking system (Terminal, Business, Holiday, Holiday Plus, and Holiday Lite) offering a choice to passengers based on the type of their journey, length of stay, and the distance of the parking facility from the terminals.