Hungary Moves Forward with Third Terminal Plans at Budapest Airport

Hungary is advancing with its plans to construct a new terminal at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) following the state’s majority ownership takeover. Corvinus, a Hungarian state-managed investment fund, now holds an 80% stake in the airport, with Vinci Airports owning the remaining 20%. Economic development minister Márton Nagy announced in a July 9 press conference that the new terminal, expected by 2032, will accompany upgraded transport connections at an estimated cost of €2 billion ($2.2 billion). Nagy emphasized a vision to increase passenger traffic from 15 million currently to nearly 20 million by 2030 and 25 million by 2040, underscoring Budapest Airport’s role as a key tourism, transit, and cargo hub. Plans also include reviving Terminal 1 by 2026 and potential discussions with Qatar Investment Authority for a 10% stake acquisition in the airport, reflecting ongoing strategic developments and growth forecasts post-pandemic.