Budapest Airport Ready for the EU Presidency

Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in its history, from July 1 to December 31, 2024. During this special period, an increased number of delegations will be visiting Hungary, primarily via Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The entire airport community has been preparing in a committed manner for the EU presidency over the past months, and everything is now in place to welcome the delegations appropriately, according to a statement by the airport operator Budapest Airport.

In order to provide a worthy venue for the event, the Hungarian government of has designated Terminal 1 and its apron, a listed heritage building with a special atmosphere, to handle the passenger flows and charter aircraft movements associated with the delegations arriving during the EU presidency. Additionally, participants will also be arriving at Terminal 2 with scheduled flights.

All of Budapest Airport’s organizational units took part in the project, which required the continuous, coordinated work of nearly 100 colleagues from the airport operator alone. The authorities and partners also worked tirelessly on the preparations. As part of the refurbishment, all systems required for safe and seamless operation have been installed. The comfort level of the terminal was enhanced for the delegations. This not only improved the internal spaces, but also the area around the building. The pavement on the curbside in front of the terminal, the fences, the curbs and the green areas were also renewed.

“Budapest Airport connects Hungary to the world and the world to Hungary. During this politically and administratively important period, it is particularly important to be a worthy gateway for the country, as the eyes of Europe are on us and many high-ranking international officials and experts will arrive in Budapest. The responsibility of this is felt fully by Budapest Airport and the entire airport community. We have prepared everything to ensure that the delegations arriving by air during Hungary’s EU presidency receive high quality, seamless service at the airport, with the highest levels of security. I would like to thank all my colleagues and partners, especially the Airport Police Directorate, for their tireless work,” the CEO of Budapest Airport, Francois Berisot said.

In the middle of June, a joint test day was held between the airport operator and the relevant authorities, where the processes in Terminal 1 were successfully tested and everything is ready for the first delegations to start using the building from July 1, the statement concludes.