As a financial and strategic investor, the Hungarian state designates the development directions of Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport, National Economy Minister Márton Nagy said at a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday.
In the minister's view, even with a conservative estimate, the airport can reach an annual passenger traffic of 20 million by the end of the decade, if the improvements are implemented. Vinci, which exercises operating rights, is an ideal co-investor, as it operates more than 70 airports in more than a dozen countries, while the previous operator managed 4-5 airports, and as a partial owner, Vinci is interested in the best results.
Márton Nagy added that the financing options for the development of the infrastructure necessary for the expansion of the airport are still being investigated, but the planning must be started as soon as possible so that Terminal 3 can be opened in 2032. The planning and execution schedules can be completed this fall, especially the construction of the high-speed railway represents a serious technical challenge, because it will certainly be necessary to take the line underground. It is already certain that the cost of the road and rail developments serving the airport and necessary for traffic expansion may exceed EUR one billion. The budget for 2025 can also provide funds for the expenses, but in addition to state support, market players, such as concessionary operation, are also conceivable, he said. Márton Nagy said that as a third party, the Qatari state investment fund can also acquire property in the Budapest airport. The current owners will decide on this together, the third party's share may be below 10%, he said.
According to the minister, emphasized that the purchase price of the airport of EUR 3.1 billion is realistic and meets market expectations, and the participating parties agreed to pay in proportion to their share of ownership, so the Hungarian state's share was EUR 2.48 billion. This was covered equally from the budget, EXIM loan and the sale of non-strategic state assets. The creditor consortium extended the loan of EUR 1.44 billion euros from the previous owner.
Speaking on behalf of the airport operator Budapest Airport Plc.'s co-investor, Vinci, President and CEO Nicolas Notebaer regarded the sale as a quick and efficient transaction. The company is one of the largest infrastructure concession companies with an annual turnover of EUR five billion, the amount of its investments is EUR one billion per year, it has been operating airports worldwide for 20 years, and with this activity it serves almost 300 million passengers annually. According to the plans, the Budapest airport is on the verge of serious development, Vinci can use its excellent relationships with airlines to bring new, long-haul flights to the Hungarian capital, he said.
He added that the investments made jointly with the state can help take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the country's capabilities, and the parties also think long-term in their planning. Nicolas Notebaer welcomed the fact that Hungary provides an open investment environment and emphasized that he is sure that the role of a distribution center will also be strengthened by the airport developments. During the investments, sustainability aspects are taken into account as seriously as possible, zero emissions can be achieved at the Budapest airport by 2030.


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