Published: December 14 2023
Hungary is seeking to include the Qatar Investment Authority in the consortium that is forming to acquire Budapest Airport. The deal is close to being finalized but the signing may be delayed until next year due to negotiations on the price.
The acquisition process
The Hungarian government, in partnership with French infrastructure group Vinci SA, is taking the first step in acquiring Budapest Airport by seeking to buy a 51% stake. The Qatar Investment Authority has the potential to join as either a financial or strategic investor. The acquisition is awaiting approval from the European Union.
Budapest Airport's passenger buildings
Budapest Airport consists of four main areas for passengers. Terminal 1 is only used for charter and private flights, Terminal 2A is used for flights within the Schengen Area, Terminal 2B is used for flights outside the Schengen Area, and Sky Court is a large central waiting and shopping area that connects Terminals 2A and 2B. Terminal 1 was temporarily closed in 2012 due to low traffic levels, and all airlines were moved to Terminal 2. Terminal 2A serves all Skyteam and Star Alliance member airlines, while Terminal 2B serves OneWorld-alliance flights and those operated by Wizz Air. Sky Court is a state-of-the-art building with passenger safety checks, new baggage classifiers, and business class lounges.
Conclusion
The acquisition process for Budapest Airport involves the Hungarian government, Vinci SA, and the potential addition of the Qatar Investment Authority. The deal is nearing completion but negotiations on the price may cause a delay. Budapest Airport consists of four main passenger buildings, each serving different types of flights and offering various amenities.
Questions & Answers
What is the current status of the acquisition of Budapest Airport? The deal to buy Budapest Airport is close to being finalized, but the signing could be delayed until next year because the buyers have to agree on the price.
Who is Hungary teaming up with for the acquisition of Budapest Airport? Hungary is teaming up with French infrastructure group Vinci SA in the first step of the deal. The Hungarian state representative is seeking to buy a 51 percent stake.
Who might join the consortium as a financial or strategic investor? The Qatar Investment Authority is being considered to join the consortium as a financial or strategic investor.
What is the role of the Qatar Investment Authority in this acquisition? The Qatar Investment Authority could potentially join the consortium as a financial or strategic investor.
When is the possible participation of Qatar Investment Authority was raised? Prime Minister Viktor Orbán raised the possibility of Qatar’s participation in an interview at the Qatar Economic Forum in May.
What is the current configuration of Budapest Airport's passenger buildings? The passenger buildings at Budapest Airport consist of four main areas: Terminal 1 (for charter and private flights), Terminal 2A (for flights inside the Schengen Area), Terminal 2B (for flights outside the Schengen Area), and Sky Court (a central waiting and shopping area connecting Terminals 2A and 2B).
When did Terminal 1 at Budapest Airport temporarily close? Terminal 1 at Budapest Airport was temporarily closed on March 14, 2012, due to low traffic levels. All airlines were moved to Terminal 2 on May 30, 2012.
What is the purpose of Terminal 2A at Budapest Airport? Terminal 2A at Budapest Airport is used for flights inside the Schengen Area. Its check-in hall serves all Skyteam and Star Alliance member airlines.
What airlines are served by Terminal 2B at Budapest Airport? Terminal 2B at Budapest Airport serves all flights of the OneWorld alliance, as well as many other non-aligned airlines. Check-in desks for flights operated by the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air are also located in this terminal.
What is Sky Court at Budapest Airport? Sky Court is a state-of-the-art building located between Terminals 2A and 2B at Budapest Airport. It has five levels and houses passenger safety checks, new baggage classifiers, and business class lounges. It also features the first MasterCard lounge in Europe.
