VINCI’s Master Plan for Budapest Airport Unmasked

Since the consortium comprising the Hungarian state and French operator VINCI Airports took over Budapest Airport 18 months ago, the hub has been breaking record after record. The laying of the foundation stone for the “Terminal+” project marked the beginning of a phase of infrastructure investment. Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions, spoke to Világgazdaság about the strategic vision behind the project.

The figures speak for themselves. Last year, passenger traffic at Budapest Airport rose by 12 percent and, with almost 20 million passengers, is rapidly approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Even more impressive is the development in the cargo business, with a 40 percent increase catapulting Budapest ahead of locations such as Munich and Vienna in the Central European region.

According to Nicolas Notebaert, this success is the result of a functioning partnership between the public sector and private expertise. While the Hungarian state holds 80 percent of the shares, VINCI manages the operational business with 20 percent. “The government lets us do what we do best: professionally operate and develop the airport,” says Nicolas Notebaert.

Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions. (Photo: Róbert Hegedüs/MTI)

The laying of the foundation stone for the “Terminal+” project marked the start of one of Hungary’s largest infrastructure projects. One billion euros are to be invested over the next seven years. The strategy is twofold. The existing Terminal 2 will be expanded to accommodate growing passenger numbers and high quality standards. In addition, a completely new terminal and associated infrastructure will be built. The expansion will take place in an “open heart” – operations must continue without restrictions as passenger numbers increase.

Nicolas Notebaert drew parallels with Lisbon, where VINCI has increased passenger numbers from 15 million to 35 million since 2012. He sees similar potential in the Hungarian capital.

Budapest Airport is focusing on a mix of European regional traffic and a new global opening.

The focus is particularly on the North American market. With the resumption of the connection to Philadelphia (American Airlines) and the new route to Toronto, the airport will increasingly appeal to premium travelers and the Hungarian diaspora in the future. The network is also growing in the direction of Asia, in particular with new connections to Seoul and a stronger presence in the Chinese market.

Photo: Facebook/Budapest Airport

Budapest Airport aims to achieve net zero by 2030. In a continental climate with extreme temperature differences, this is primarily a question of energy efficiency. The new investments are therefore being poured into modern insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and large-scale solar panels for the airport’s own consumption. “It’s an investment that costs money, but there is no alternative,” Nicolas Notebaert emphasized to Világgazdaság.

For the VINCI boss, the airport is an instrument of “soft power,” preparing the country for major international events and acting as a driver for jobs and tourism.

Nicolas Notebaert considers Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s description of VINCI Airports as “part of the family” at the ceremony to be the highest sign of trust. “In Central Europe, you are first observed closely – but once you are accepted, it is a real partnership,” he explained.

“Terminal Plus” Marks the Start of a New Era at Budapest Airport