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Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is poised for major growth as Hungary’s tourism sector continues to thrive, reports Világgazdaság. Minister for National Economy Márton Nagy announced that the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Terminal 3 will be laid in 2025, with the aim of accommodating the increasing number of travelers.

Speaking at the Michelin Guide awards ceremony in Budapest, Minister Nagy highlighted the record-breaking success of Hungary’s tourism industry in 2023. By October, 15.5 million visitors had spent 38.5 million nights in Hungarian hotels and restaurants—a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. The minister also noted a 10% rise in hospitality-related employment, attributing these achievements to the government’s support for the sector.

Photo: MTI/Purger Tamás

Passenger traffic at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is projected to reach 18 million in 2024 and grow to 20 million annually by 2030. The airport’s rapid expansion makes it the fastest-growing airport in Europe, according to the politician.

The upcoming Terminal 3 will be instrumental in providing the infrastructure needed to support this growth.

The government’s reacquisition of the airport is seen as a strategic move to ensure its development aligns with national interests.

Tourism currently contributes nearly 12% of Hungary’s GDP and 10% of the central budget, according to Nagy. The government has introduced initiatives to support the sector, including maintaining the SZÉP card scheme (fringe benefit), a popular tool for domestic tourism, and implementing policies such as tax-free tipping and capped service charges.

Photo: Facebook/Budapest Airport

Additionally, major infrastructure developments are underway to improve accessibility to the airport.

In September, environmental impact assessments began for a complete renovation of the expressway to the airport and the construction of a high-speed rail link.

Gergely Gulyás, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, had earlier outlined these plans, noting that they are part of a broader vision to modernize airport-related infrastructure. Construction of the expressway renovation is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2030.

With its strategic location and expanding facilities, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is set to play a pivotal role in Hungary’s economic and tourism growth.

Budapest Airport Breaks Passenger and Cargo Milestone in a Record Year
Budapest Airport Breaks Passenger and Cargo Milestone in a Record Year

In the first ten months of this year, almost 14.7 million passengers made a stopover at the airport.Continue reading

Via Világgazdaság; Featured image via MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd


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