Record January Air Passenger Traffic in Budapest

After the record year of 2024, passenger traffic at Ferenc Liszt International Airport continued to increase this January, with 1,293,556 passengers travelling from the capital airport in January, which is not only 17.5% higher than last year’s figure, but is also the highest first-month passenger traffic ever. The new record was driven by the popularity of Hungary as a destination, in addition to Hungarians’ propensity to travel. Among those departing from Budapest, the most popular destinations in this month were London, Istanbul and Paris.

The volume of cargo handled at the airport also showed a significant increase, with 28,646 tonnes handled in January 2025, 58.5% more than the same period last year.

The operator of Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Budapest Airport, which is part of the VINCI Airports network, says it supports the airport’s continued growth in passenger numbers with a strategy built on diversification. The strategy aims to densify the network, both by attracting new destinations and by expanding the number of airlines flying to existing destinations, enabling passengers to select the most suitable service on their chosen route.

Budapest Airport has announced the launch of six new flights since the beginning of the year, both to new and existing destinations.

The number of available flights between the UK and Hungary is increasing; in October, Jet2.com’s new flights to East Midlands Airport and Newcastle will primarily support inbound tourism, giving British tourists the opportunity to discover Hungary. Together with these, Jet2.com will operate flights to six destinations between Budapest and the UK this winter.

easyJet is also diversifying, offering passengers direct, low-cost flights to two beautiful French cities, Bordeaux and Nantes, in its 2025 winter schedule, further strengthening Budapest’s direct air links with French cities.

In January, Budapest Airport announced the launch of Jazeera Airways’ Kuwait City service at the beginning of June, which will primarily boost inbound tourism, strengthening tourism to Hungary through connecting flights, but also benefiting those who wish to explore India and the South Asian region. Kuwait is the seventh Middle Eastern destination accessible from Budapest with direct flights, along with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Israel, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

After Jazeera Airways, again a brand new airline joined the Budapest schedule in early February: SCAT Airlines will operate a twice-weekly service between Budapest and Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from May, providing Kazakh travellers with direct access from one of Kazakhstan’s most important economic and cultural hubs.

In parallel, Budapest Airport is in discussions to launch long-haul flights, primarily between the United States and Canada and Budapest, but discussions are ongoing concerning destinations in Southeast Asia as well.