Speaking shortly after returning from Washington, Prime Minister Orbán highlighted that last year was an outstanding one for the airport, adding that the state’s investment could pay off two years earlier than originally expected due to strong performance.
The Prime Minister recalled that reacquiring majority ownership in the airport in 2024 was the result of 14 years of consistent work. He described the agreement with the French airport operator Vinci as one of the best deals concluded during his time in office, noting that while the state is not suited to operate an airport directly, it must find reliable partners capable of managing and increasing the value of strategic national assets.
Prime Minister Orbán thanked the French partners for what he called a joint “venture,” adding that they have become part of Hungary’s economic community.
He stressed that the future success of the airport depends primarily on the work of its employees, underlining that Hungary has world-class skilled workers without whom no major investment could function effectively.
The Prime Minister noted that tourism has become an increasingly important pillar of the Hungarian economy, but warned that without infrastructure development the airport could become a bottleneck to further growth. He said the new terminal, construction of which is scheduled to begin in March, represents an investment of approximately one billion euros.
By the end of the decade, annual passenger traffic at Liszt Ferenc International Airport could reach 25 million, he said. If all plans are realized, the airport could become the largest aviation hub in the region.
Prime Minister Orbán added that the greatest threat to these ambitions is the ongoing war in the region, which he said is not conducive to attracting visitors. Hungary must remain outside the conflict in order to safeguard its economic development, he stated.
In addition to Terminal 3, further priority projects include the construction of a dedicated airport rail link, a new airport railway station, and the renovation of the airport expressway. The rail connection project, linking the airport between Monor and Kőbánya-Kispest to the line serving Nyugati Railway Station, has already been launched, with applications currently being accepted.
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that continued infrastructure development is essential to ensuring Hungary’s long-term economic competitiveness and growth.