New Terminal to Be Built at Budapest's Main Airport

The foundation stone of Ferenc Liszt International Airport’s new terminal has been laid in Budapest during a ceremony attended by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Minister for National Economy Márton Nagy, the President of VINCI Concessions and VINCI Airports, Nicolas Notebaert and the CEO of Budapest Airport, François Berisot. According to a statetment by the airport's operator, Budapest Airport, the event officially marked the beginning of ambitious expansion and modernization works.

Following an exceptional year in 2025, during which the airport welcomed nearly 20 million passengers, representing a 35% increase in traffic since VINCI Airports took over operations after a joint investment with the Hungarian state, this large-scale project aims to meet the growing demands of air traffic and deliver world-class facilities tailored to the future needs of travellers, the statement adds.

This development program, supported by a total investment of EUR 1 billion over the next ten years, ranks among the most significant airport investment projects in Central Europe during the coming decade.

The program includes a new main terminal spanning 35,000 sqm, featuring centralized check-in facilities, optimized security screening areas and integrated commercial spaces to create a seamless and enhanced passenger experience; a new 19,000 sqm passenger pier along with the expansion of aircraft apron areas over 132,000 sqm, which will include 13 new aircraft stands and a dedicated de-icing area; and the refurbishment of car parks, improvements to external and internal roads, and curbside upgrades to match the new centralized building.

In September, the government also announced significant developments to the infrastructure connecting to the airport, including the construction of a direct rail link to the airport, as well as the refurbishment of the express road leading to the airport and its expansion to multiple lanes.

In parallel, targeted improvements to Terminal 2 have already begun to ensure a smooth transition until the new facilities are delivered. These include reconfiguring the passenger check-in hall to expand space and add counters, upgrading security lanes for faster screening, and implementing advanced screening systems. Automatic gates have been reoriented, and a dedicated lane for passengers with reduced mobility, families and Fast Track Lane users is being created. In addition, the area of Pier B will be expanded, providing even greater capacity for handling passengers arriving from non-Schengen areas.

Nicolas Notebaert emphasized during the event that “today’s laying of the foundation stone is a very important moment for Budapest Airport, but also for Hungary’s aviation industry and economy. The heightened interest in Hungary and Budapest among foreign visitors, the upward trend in Hungarians’ propensity to travel and the record traffic recorded at the airport last year confirm our ambition: we are determined to deliver a modern, world-class aerial gateway for Hungary, prepared to meet the needs of travellers in the years to come.”

With an incremental capacity increase of more than ten million passengers, the modernized airport will cement its international role, according to the statement.