Budapest's Dual Airports: A Traveler's Guide To The City's Aviation Hubs

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, commonly known as Ferihegy, is the main airport serving the Hungarian capital of Budapest. It is located 16km southeast of the city centre and is the largest of the country's four commercial airports. Budapest Airport has two passenger terminals, 2A and 2B, which are located within walking distance of each other. Terminal 1, which was previously used by low-cost airlines, was closed in 2012.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport offers connections within Europe, as well as to Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. In 2019, the airport served 16.2 million passengers. It is the headquarters and primary hub for Wizz Air and a base for Ryanair. The airport has two runways and two terminal buildings, T1 and T2, though only T2 is currently operational. T2 is divided into two sections, T2A and T2B, which are interconnected via the SkyCourt, a five-story building that houses shops and eateries. T2A is used for flights within the Schengen Area, while T2B is for flights outside the Schengen Area.

The airport offers a range of services and amenities, including retail options, duty-free areas, baggage wrapping and luggage storage, a conference centre, pharmacies, medical services, banks, ATMs, currency exchange, family services, a playground, a lost and found office, a chapel, lounges, spa facilities, travel agencies, and special services for passengers with disabilities.

There are various transportation options available to and from the airport, including private transfers, bus and train rides, taxis, and car rentals. The airport also provides dedicated parking structures for each terminal, with express, short-term, and long-term parking options.

Debrecen International Airport

The history of the airport dates back to the early 20th century, with the first official regular flight taking off in 1930. Initially, the airport served domestic, sports, and military purposes, with flights connecting Debrecen to Budapest and other major Hungarian cities. During World War II, it served as the base for a Hungarian bombing squad.

Between 1946 and 1968, Debrecen Airport also served as an emergency airfield for Budapest Airport. The airport was under the control of the Soviet air force until 1990, after which it transitioned to international civilian traffic alongside sports aviation. In 1991, Soviet troops vacated the airport, returning control to the Hungarian government.

Since then, the Debrecen Municipal Government has recognised the importance of developing the airport, investing significantly in its growth. In 2012, Wizz Air launched a scheduled service between Debrecen and London Luton, and the airport has continued to expand its connections. In 2015, Wizz Air established a cadet pilot school at the airport, further cementing its role in aviation training and development.

Today, Debrecen International Airport remains a vital transport hub for the region, offering convenient access to travellers heading to or departing from Debrecen and the surrounding areas.

Győr-Pér International Airport

Budapest has one international airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is the largest of Hungary's four commercial airports. However, there is another airport in the city of Győr, called Győr-Pér International Airport.

The airport is a base for several aviation companies, including Aerowest and Aviation Centre Győr, and is also used for pilot training by the Hungarian Aviation Association. In addition, the airport hosts the annual Győr Air Show, which features aerobatic displays, helicopter rides, and static aircraft exhibits.

The airport has a small terminal building that includes facilities such as a restaurant, a bar, and a waiting area. The airport also has a control tower and several hangars.

Hévíz–Balaton Airport

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, is the main international airport serving the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. It is the largest of the country's four commercial airports, with Debrecen and Hévíz–Balaton following as the second and third largest.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located 16 kilometres southeast of the centre of Budapest. It offers international connections within Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. In 2019, the airport handled 16.2 million passengers. The airport is the headquarters and primary hub for Wizz Air and a base for Ryanair. The facility covers 1,515 hectares and has two runways.

The airport has four main areas for passenger buildings: Terminal 1, Terminal 2A, Terminal 2B, and Sky Court. Terminal 1 is only used for charter and private flights, while Terminal 2A serves flights within the Schengen Area, and Terminal 2B serves flights outside the Schengen Area. Sky Court is a modern building connecting Terminals 2A and 2B, offering new shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Pécs-Pogány International Airport

Budapest is served by the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is the largest of Hungary's four commercial airports. The airport is located 16 kilometres southeast of the centre of Budapest.

However, there is another airport in Hungary called Pécs-Pogány International Airport, or Pécs South Airport (IATA: PEV, ICAO: LHPP). Pécs-Pogány Airport is a small commercial airport serving Pécs, a city in Baranya County in Hungary. It is one of several airports in Hungary, including Debrecen International Airport, Hévíz-Balaton Airport, and Győr-Pér International Airport.

Several aviation database sources incorrectly cite the IATA code for Pécs-Pogány as QPJ, but the correct code, as listed on the IATA website, is PEV.

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