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, the operator of the Hungarian capital's Ferenc Liszt International Airport, 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 says in a statement.
The operator highlights that it 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 that is to take place this Saturday, May 30. Preparatory work began ten 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.
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 May 29, 30 and 31, 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 May 29 and 31, 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. Naturally, the largest traffic increase is expected on the London and Paris routes as the two teams competing in the Champions League final are Arsenal FC from the British capital and Paris Saint-Germain FC.
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