Budapest Airport: Photo: Passportnews February Breaks Records at Budapest Airport: Over 1.2 Million Passengers.
Following a record-breaking year in passenger traffic and an impressive start to 2025, Budapest International Airport Ferenc Liszt continues to break records even in the typically slower month of February.
As noted, Budapest Airport was recently selected as the best airport in Europe in the category of airports handling 15-25 million passengers annually, marking the second time in two years.
The recognition, awarded by the International Airports Council (ACI), is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the aviation industry, based on direct passenger feedback.
In February alone, 1,249,814 passengers passed through the airport – a 15.9% increase compared to February of last year, which saw a previous record of 1,075,552 passengers. For January-February 2025, this represents an overall increase of 16.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
In Budapest, officials attribute the impressive rise to several factors: the strengthening of Hungary's tourist profile, the desire of Hungarians for new experiences, and the airport's development strategy for flight routes in conjunction with VINCI Airports, which focuses on diversifying destinations and increasing the number of airlines operating from there.
Since the beginning of the year, seven new routes have been launched, including EasyJet's route to Nantes, France.
The most popular destinations during this period are: London, Istanbul, Rome, Paris, and Milan.
Cargo Sector Thriving: Budapest Surpasses Vienna and Munich
In the cargo sector as well, Budapest Airport shows exceptional performance.
In 2024, nearly 300,000 tons of cargo were handled – more than Vienna Airport. In February 2025 alone, 29,063 tons were handled – an increase of 44.3% compared to the previous February.
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a 51% increase, placing Budapest ahead of larger airports like Vienna and Munich.
This growth is attributed to the airport's emergence as a cargo hub for Eastern Central Europe. Advanced infrastructure, combined with direct routes to important trade centers in Asia – especially China – has made Budapest a key player. Today, there are direct cargo routes to cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and more.
Charge Your Smartphone While Pedaling: New in Budapest
Green and sporty innovation at the airport: Starting March, fitness bikes that generate energy have been installed in passenger lounges – allowing devices to be charged while pedaling. The bikes, equipped with USB-A and USB-C sockets, enable passengers to plug in their personal devices and charge them using muscle power.
Currently, two pairs of bikes are installed in pier 1 and terminals 2A and 2B.
Three additional smaller bikes for children will be added soon, bringing a total of nine pairs of bikes to the airport – an experience that combines sustainability, health, and enjoyment while waiting for flights.
