Did the wind carry you here, to the Budaörsi repülőtér? This airfield whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when Budapest’s skies were graced by the elegance of early aviation. Budaörsi repülőtér wasn’t always a haven for general aviation. It once held the prestigious title of Hungary’s sole international airport. Imagine the year is 1937. The grand opening. The terminal, a masterpiece designed by Virgil Bierbauer, stands proudly. Its main hall, a testament to architectural brilliance, buzzes with excitement. The crowds marvel at the largest hangar in Europe, a colossal structure stretching 141 meters by 41 meters. This, my friends, was the heart of Hungarian aviation. Air France, KLM, Deutsche Luft Hansa, even British Airways Ltd. Their aircraft, like elegant birds, landed and took off from Budaörsi repülőtér, connecting Hungary to the world. The airport was the home base of Malert, the precursor to Malév Hungarian Airlines. In 1938, a vibrant hub of activity, routes stretched from Belgrade to Baghdad, from Vienna to London. But progress, like a restless wind, demanded change. Budaörsi repülőtér, nestled among the hills, lacked space for expansion. The need for longer runways, capable of accommodating larger aircraft, became evident. And so, in 1943, Budapest Ferihegy International Airport was born. Yet, fate had another twist in store. While Ferihegy suffered heavy damage during World War II, Budaörsi repülőtér emerged relatively unscathed. It continued its vital role as the primary international airport until Ferihegy’s restoration in 1950. Today, Budaörsi repülőtér serves general aviation. The spirit of those early days lingers, kept alive by the Goldtimer Foundation. They lovingly restore vintage aircraft, like the Lisunov Li-2 and the Polikarpov Po-2, offering a glimpse into the golden age of aviation. The main hangar, a silent witness to history, still stands. The terminal, though not open to the public, remains a protected monument, its grandeur a testament to Budaörsi repülőtér’s glorious past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to