Budapest Airport Prepares for Major Expansion with New Terminal 3

Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport is gearing up for a significant expansion as preparations begin for the construction of Terminal 3. This development comes in response to record-breaking passenger numbers and projected growth in the coming years.

Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic

In 2024, Budapest Airport has been setting new records:

• October saw the strongest passenger traffic growth in Europe
• By year-end, passenger numbers are expected to exceed 17 million
• Every month in 2024 has broken individual passenger records
• By October, the airport’s ten-month traffic surpassed the entire previous year’s figures

Projected Growth and Development Plans

The airport’s management and owners are anticipating robust growth in the future:

• Forecasts predict 20 million passengers by 2030
• Preparations for Terminal 3 construction have begun
• The new terminal will ensure high-quality service for increasing passenger numbers

Francois Berisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, stated, “We already see that we will handle a record number of passengers at the airport by the end of this year, which is not surprising as Budapest and Hungary are gaining increasing popularity worldwide, with more tourists arriving year after year”.

Key Features of the Terminal 3 Project

1. Apron Expansion: One of the first tasks is earthwork for a new traffic apron, which will eventually accommodate 12 aircraft simultaneously.
2. Sustainability Focus: The development and design of Terminal 3 will prioritize sustainability, aligning with Budapest Airport’s goal to reduce emissions to zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of the deadline set by the Airports Council International.
3. Timeline: All elements of the terminal development are expected to be completed within eight years.
4. Economic Impact: According to a KPMG study, the investment and construction activities related to Terminal 3 could generate up to 63.9 billion forints in indirect added value through the supply chain by 2027, provide jobs for 6,400 people, and contribute up to 23.4 billion forints to Hungarian family incomes.

Long-Term Vision

The expansion project reflects Budapest Airport’s long-term vision for growth and improved service quality. Berisot emphasized, “Significant development is needed to serve the rising passenger traffic with high quality. The design and some related construction work for Terminal 3 are already underway, and implementation can begin soon. The goals are far-reaching; to serve more and more passengers with high quality and continuously expanding infrastructure”.

This major expansion project not only aims to accommodate the increasing number of travelers but also positions Budapest Airport as a key player in European aviation, supporting Hungary’s growing tourism industry and economic development.

Image source: Budapest Airport