Airport developments – New car park, more modern security checks and a refurbished taxiway

A number of innovations that directly enhance the passenger experience and passenger flow, as well as important behind-the-scenes improvements, will be completed at Liszt Ferenc International Airport in time for the busiest months of the year – as promised in a statement by Budapest Airport Zrt.

The improvements are significant even in the long term:

The aim of the investments to be carried out at Terminal 2 over the coming months and years is to ensure a smooth transition until the completion of the airport’s comprehensive Terminal+ development package.

High-strength basalt concrete surfacing has been laid on the refurbished taxiway

To ensure an efficient infrastructure and maintain safety standards, the airport’s fire-fighting water plant has been refurbished. In addition to the refurbishment of the plant building and the replacement of the previous 40-year-old pumps, a new diesel-powered pump system with a water delivery capacity of at least 45,000 litres per minute has also been installed, thereby providing the airport with a modern, more reliable in the long term, higher-capacity system. The investment further strengthens the fire safety infrastructure of facilities vital to the airport’s operations – hangars, maintenance bases and fuel supply systems – thereby ensuring their continuous operation.

The refurbishment of the G-marked taxiway, covering more than 17,000 square metres, has also been completed. The work was carried out by KÉSZ Építő és Szerelő Zrt., a subsidiary of KÉSZ Csoport, at a cost of approximately 5.89 million euros.

The old runway structure was replaced with a heavy-duty substructure and a basalt concrete surface; the drainage channels were replaced; a completely new drainage system was installed; the area was fitted with a new lighting system; and information boards were installed. At the same time, preparations were made to bring the runways and other aircraft operating areas up to standard for the summer traffic period.

Regarding the above investment, KÉSZ Építő és Szerelő Zrt. previously stated:

Projects carried out at the airport are of particular importance to the company – these include, for example, the general construction of SkyCourt, the refurbishment of Terminals T2A and T2B, and the construction of the passenger pier. These investments have played a major part in transforming the capital’s airport into one of the region’s most modern and efficient aviation hubs.

More check-in desks, new security lanes, a new car park

On 1 June, the affordable Relax Car Park opened, adding 2,000 spaces to the long-term parking capacity and offering nearly 50 electric charging points for electric vehicles. A bus service runs from the car park every 15 minutes, but the terminal can also be reached by a 15-minute walk.

By the start of summer, the check-in capacity at Terminal 2A had been expanded. Seven new hybrid check-in desks have been installed in the area previously occupied by retail outlets; these can be used as either traditional or self-service baggage drop-off desks, depending on current passenger demand. This has also increased the capacity available for self-service baggage drop-off. Passengers – provided this option is available for their flight – can print their baggage tags, weigh and check in their suitcases in a matter of minutes without having to queue; from the moment they are placed on the conveyor belt, these suitcases go through the mandatory processes alongside baggage checked in via the traditional method.

The expansion of the passenger security screening area also serves to improve passenger comfort and increase capacity. The automatic boarding pass reader gates have been relocated to optimise space utilisation and their capacity has been expanded with new units, whilst eight new, longer and more efficient passenger security lanes have been opened, where several passengers can prepare for screening at the same time, ensuring faster passage. As a result, the number of lanes has been reduced, whilst the efficiency of security checks and the available space have increased.

In line with passenger numbers and weather conditions, the cooling system of SkyCourt will be upgraded by mid-summer, ensuring a more comfortable environment for passengers even during the peak summer period. As part of the upgrade, two new, high-performance air-handling units will be installed, enabling the desired interior temperature to be maintained more effectively in passenger areas, even on the hottest summer days.