Construction of a new terminal complex at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) has formally begun following a foundation stone ceremony.
The ceremony marks the start of a long-term expansion programme valued at 1 billion EUR, intended to increase capacity and modernise facilities at Hungary’s main international gateway over the next decade.
It was attended by government and industry representatives, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Minister for National Economy Márton Nagy, President of VINCI Concessions and VINCI Airports Nicolas Notebaert, and Budapest Airport chief executive François Berisot.
Nicolas Notebaert said: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.
The airport handled close to 20 million passengers in 2025, a rise of about 35 percent compared with traffic levels recorded when VINCI Airports assumed operational responsibility following a joint investment with the Hungarian state. The growth has highlighted the need for additional capacity and updated infrastructure.
The planned development includes a 35,000 square metre terminal building with centralised check-in areas, redesigned security screening and integrated retail spaces. A 19,000 square metre passenger pier will also be constructed, alongside the expansion of apron areas by 132,000 square metres. Plans provide for 13 additional aircraft stands and a dedicated de-icing zone.
Associated works will involve refurbishment of car parks, changes to internal and surrounding road layouts and upgrades to curbside access.
The Hungarian government has also outlined complementary transport projects to improve access to the airport. These include a proposed direct rail connection and the renovation and widening of the express road serving the site.
In the interim, modifications to Terminal 2 are underway to support passenger flows until the new complex is completed. Measures include reconfiguration of the check-in hall to add counters, upgrades to security lanes and the introduction of updated screening equipment. Automatic border gates are being repositioned, and a dedicated lane is planned for passengers with reduced mobility, families and fast-track users. Pier B is also set to be extended to accommodate more arrivals from non-Schengen destinations.
The expansion is expected to increase annual capacity by more than 10 million passengers once fully delivered, supporting the airport’s role in regional connectivity and tourism.
