Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport

Whispers of “Ferihegy” still echo around Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, a name deeply intertwined with its past. Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, a vital hub connecting Hungary to the world, has a rich history. Its story begins in 1938, with the realization that the existing Budaörs Airport was inadequate. The location, bordering Pestszentlőrinc, Rákoshegy, and Vecsés, was selected for a new, larger airport. Károly Dávid Jr.’s innovative design, intended to resemble an aircraft from above, won the public tender. Construction began in 1942, alongside a new high-speed road linking the airport to the city. While military facilities were prioritized during wartime, civilian construction was delayed. The airport finally opened in 1943, only to suffer damage during World War II and fall under Soviet occupation by 1944. The post-war era saw Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport rise from the ashes. Reconstructed for civilian use, it reopened in 1950. MASZOVLET, later known as Malév Hungarian Airlines, began operations from the airport. In 1954, Malév’s establishment marked a turning point, with its first western flight to Vienna in 1956. The airport’s significance grew further in 1957, when KLM became the first western airline to serve Budapest. By 1960, the airport saw an impressive surge in activity. Landings increased from 4,786 to 17,133, while passenger traffic rose from 49,955 to 359,338. Continuous expansion and modernization projects followed, including a new control tower in 1977 and a second runway in 1983. Terminal 2 opened in 1985, marking another milestone in the airport’s journey. In 2011, the airport was officially renamed Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, in honor of the renowned Hungarian composer. The airport continued its evolution with the opening of the SkyCourt in 2011, a modern shopping and waiting area linking Terminals 2A and 2B. Despite the setback caused by the collapse of Malév Hungarian Airlines in 2012, the airport demonstrated resilience. It recovered quickly, attracting new airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Even today, as you stand at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, you’re experiencing a space shaped by decades of growth, innovation, and a dedication to connecting Hungary with the world.