Budapest Airport Sees Historic January, Expanding with 6 New Routes

Budapest's Franz Liszt International Airport started 2025 with a historic record.

1,293,556 passengers passed through in January – an increase of 17.5% compared to the previous year, the highest figure recorded for this month. The trend reflects Hungary's strengthening as a leading tourist destination, alongside the increase in local travel volume. The most popular destinations among those leaving the city this month were London, Istanbul, and Paris.

There was also a significant increase in cargo: 28,646 tons were transported through the airport in January – 58.5% more compared to the same period last year, cementing the airport's status as a regional logistics hub.

Photo: Passportnews

International Expansion: Six New Routes Launched at the Beginning of the Year

Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, continues rapid growth in passenger traffic, including opening new destinations and increasing the offering of flights to existing destinations.

Since the beginning of 2025, six new Routes have been launched:

• United Kingdom: Jet2.com will operate new flights to Newcastle and East Midlands Airport, aiming to boost inbound tourism from the British Isles. This winter, the company will operate flights to six destinations in the UK.
• France: easyJet added direct flights to Bordeaux and Nantes, strengthening Budapest's air links with France.
• Middle East: Jazeera Airways will open a direct Route to Kuwait City in June 2025, supporting inbound tourism and providing passengers with easy access to India and South Asia.
• Kazakhstan: SCAT Airlines will launch a new Route in May between Budapest and Shymkent, one of the country's important economic and cultural centers.

Simultaneously, the airport's management is in talks to launch direct flights to the US, Canada, and Southeast Asia, further bolstering its status as a central gateway between Europe and international destinations.

Infrastructure Upgrade: Renovation of the Access Bridge to Terminal 2

As part of the airport's development project, starting February 20, 2025, renovation work will begin on the access bridge to Terminal 2 and the passenger taxi area. During the renovation:

• Vehicles will not be allowed entry to the upper departure level.
• The pick-up and drop-off area on the arrival level (lower) will be reduced.
• It is recommended to use Terminal Parking and City Break Parking, which offer free parking for up to 5 minutes, twice a day.

Public transportation will be temporarily adjusted:

• Route 100E will reach the outer arrival level instead of the upper level.
• Route 200E will continue to operate as usual.
• Private buses not part of the BKK network will be directed to the bus terminal.

The works are expected to be completed by June 2025, with airport management recommending passengers arrive 2.5 hours before their flight and follow new signage instructions.

Photo: Passportnews

Hungary and Israel: Two Growing Tourism Hubs

In recent years, Hungary, and especially Budapest, have become one of the world's notable tourism powers, with a significant increase in international visitors. For Israeli audiences, Budapest is also a popular destination, thanks to the variety of daily direct flights from El-Al, Israir, Arkia Airlines, Wizz Air, and Blue Bird.

The ongoing growth in passenger traffic between Israel and Hungary is a testament to the strong ties between the countries and the future potential for expanding air Routes. Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, Hungary has adopted a distinctly pro-Israel stance and expresses complete support for Israel, with some sports events initially meant to be held in Israel being moved to Budapest, which has benefitted from a rising number of tourists from Israel.

The Franz Liszt airport, as mentioned, continues to develop and adapt itself to the growing passenger movement, integrating new infrastructures and upgrading air Routes, becoming a central hub in European and international aviation.