Debrecen Airport Aims to Reach One Million Passengers

Huge airport investment begins in rural Hungary. Debrecen’s mayor has made an announcement, saying that the city’s residents should be pleased with the new development, reported Világgazdaság.

The goal at Debrecen International Airport (eastern Hungary) is to increase passenger traffic, as the airport plays a key role in both leisure and business tourism. Planning can now begin on a new runway, which could further boost passenger numbers, Mayor László Papp wrote on Facebook. On Monday, Papp signed the contract for the design of the new runway at the airport. Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated that

the goal for Debrecen is to reach one million passengers per year.

In recent times, several route expansions have taken place in the city, including new flights to Larnaca (Cyprus), Malta, and Leipzig, according to local outlet Haon.

Ernő Györke, CEO of the Debrecen International Airport operator, told Világgazdaság in an earlier interview that passenger traffic in 2024, is expected to match that of 2023, with a projected total of just over 300,000. Although several airlines increased their weekly flights last year, Wizz Air’s capacity reduction offset that growth. In the short term, passenger numbers may drop, but there is a firm plan to reverse this trend as soon as possible. With support from the Ministry of National Economy, efforts are underway to return to pre-pandemic levels in both the number of flights and passengers.

In terms of cargo traffic, significant expansion is expected in the coming years due to both global and local demand.

However, growth in passenger transport is a longer process, as airlines typically plan new routes one to two years in advance. Still, there is hope that previously successful routes from Debrecen will soon be resumed by new airline partners, and negotiations are ongoing to enter new markets as well.

To support increased passenger numbers, the existing terminal building was expanded, making it possible to service up to four departing flights simultaneously. This medium-term upgrade provides the infrastructure necessary to return to 2019 levels, when annual passenger traffic exceeded 600,000. Györke also emphasized that

both the Ministry of National Economy and the city of Debrecen are determined to turn the airport into the region’s leading aviation hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in the medium term.

Thanks to its favorable road and rail connections, strategic location, and ongoing developments, all the necessary conditions are in place. Many companies that have invested in Debrecen view the airport as a key strategic pillar in their decision.

The newly inaugurated plant will manufacture sensors for medical, automotive, and refrigeration technology. The company, Sensirion, is also collaborating with Debrecen’s educational institutions as part of its development strategy. The facility is nearly waterless in operation—an outstanding technological feat.

Via Világgazdaság; Featured picture: file photo, Pixabay