Published: 2023-09-06
Exciting news for [[[Budapest Airport](https://www.thatbudapest.life/budapest-airport-impressive-growth-and-awards-in-first-half-of-2023)](https://www.thatbudapest.life/budapest-airport-impressive-growth-and-awards-in-first-half-of-2023)](https://www.thatbudapest.life/budapest-airport-impressive-growth-and-awards-in-first-half-of-2023) as transatlantic flights are set to return in 2024, according to Katalin Valentínyi, the communications and government relationships deputy CEO of Budapest Airport. This development comes as the airport sees a strong recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in the number of passengers.
Transatlantic flights to restart in 2024
Starting in 2024, transatlantic flights will resume operation at Budapest Airport. Before the pandemic, flights to New York, Toronto, Chicago, and Philadelphia were part of the airport's timetable. Valentínyi mentioned that they would like to restart these routes and potentially expand the transatlantic destinations in the future.
Growth in passenger numbers
Budapest Airport has seen a positive trend in passenger numbers, with 8 million passengers registered in the first seven months of 2023. The airport experienced a particularly strong summer, with almost 1.5 million passengers in July alone. With successful events such as the Sziget Festival and the World Athletics Championships, the airport is expecting a strong autumn and anticipates surpassing the projected 14.3 million passengers for the year. By the end of the decade, the airport aims to surpass 30 million passengers.
Expansion plans for improved service
To accommodate the growing number of passengers, Budapest Airport plans to expand its infrastructure. Terminal 2, which currently serves around 16-17 million passengers, will be supplemented by the reopening of Terminal 1, which can accommodate an additional 5 million passengers. Additionally, there are plans to construct a new Terminal 3, which will further enhance the airport's capacity and enable the provision of high-quality service for up to 30 million passengers.
Increase in flights to Chinese destinations and continuous service to Seoul and Dubai
While transatlantic flights are set to make a comeback, Budapest Airport has also seen an increase in flights to Chinese destinations. Furthermore, flights to Seoul and Dubai have continued without interruption throughout the pandemic. These routes contribute to the airport's overall connectivity and further enhance its position as a key aviation hub in the region.
Overall, the return of transatlantic flights in 2024 and the continuous growth in passenger numbers are signs of a promising future for Budapest Airport. With planned expansions and a dedication to providing excellent service, the airport is well-positioned to meet the needs of both domestic and international travelers.
Questions & Answers
When are transatlantic flights expected to return to Budapest? Transatlantic flights are expected to return to Budapest in 2024.
Which transatlantic flights were previously available from Budapest? Before the pandemic, transatlantic flights from Budapest included destinations such as New York, Toronto, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
How many passengers did Budapest Airport register in the first seven months of 2023? Budapest Airport registered 8 million passengers in the first seven months of 2023.
What is the expected number of passengers at Budapest Airport by the end of this decade? By the end of this decade, Budapest Airport expects the number of passengers to rise above 30 million.
Will Terminal 1 at Budapest Airport be reopened? Yes, Budapest Airport plans to reopen Terminal 1, which will add capacity for an additional 5 million passengers.
Is Budapest Airport planning to build a new terminal? Yes, Budapest Airport plans to build a brand-new Terminal 3 to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
