Budapest Airport Acquisition by Hungarian Government Faces Possible Delay

Published: December 14 2023

The Hungarian government's planned acquisition of Budapest Airport may face a delay until 2024. Additionally, there are plans for the construction of a third terminal at Liszt Ferenc Airport in collaboration with a Qatari investment company.

The completion of the acquisition of Budapest Airport, the main aviation hub in the capital, is nearing. However, the signing process may extend into the following year as the Hungarian government negotiates the price with the current owners and creditors. The government plans to acquire the airport in partnership with France's Vinci Airports, with ownership shares divided at 51 to 49 percent.

After the acquisition, Hungary aims to involve the Qatar Investment Authority as either a financial or strategic investor. There are plans to construct a third terminal and expand the airport's capacity. Although construction was initially expected to begin in 2025, recent indications suggest a delay, with construction potentially starting in 2028.

Amendments to the law on air transport will exempt state-controlled companies involved in airport operations from certain legal obligations. These include asset declaration, compliance with the law on the economical operation of public companies, adherence to the Labour Code, compliance with the law on national security services, and adherence to the law on national property.

Stay updated as further developments unfold in the aviation landscape, including the potential delay in the Budapest Airport acquisition and the plans for a third terminal at Liszt Ferenc Airport in collaboration with a Qatari investment company.

What is the current status of the Hungarian state takeover of Budapest Airport? The completion of the Hungarian state takeover of Budapest Airport may face a delay until 2024. The signing process is still ongoing as the government needs to agree on the price with the current owners and creditors.

Who is involved in the acquisition of Budapest Airport? The Hungarian government plans to acquire Budapest Airport jointly with France's Vinci Airports. The ownership shares will be divided 51 to 49 percent.

Are there any plans for expansion and development at Budapest Airport? Yes, post-acquisition, Hungary aims to engage the Qatar Investment Authority as a financial or strategic investor. They are planning to construct a third terminal and expand the airport's capacity. Construction for the third terminal was initially expected to begin in 2025 but recent indications suggest a shift in the timeline to a commencement in 2028.

Will there be any exemptions for state-controlled companies involved in airport operations? Yes, amendments to the law on air transport will exempt state-controlled companies involved in airport operations from various legal obligations. These exemptions include asset declaration, the law on the economical operation of public companies, the Labour Code, the law on national security services, and the law on national property.