Budapest Airport to rebuild key area soon

Budapest Airport (Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport) is preparing for a major airside reconstruction project after launching a public procurement tender to rebuild a crucial taxiway and create a new connection to an engine testing area.

The development, driven by rising passenger traffic and the growing size of modern aircraft, will affect a surface area comparable to a football pitch. The tender, announced by Budapest Airport, covers the design and full reconstruction of Taxiway K (TWY K), along with establishing a link between the Lufthansa apron and the engine run-up testing facility. The winning contractor will have 199 days to complete the works, with applications open until 23 March.

Larger aircraft and rising traffic behind Budapest Airport’s upgrade

The operator Budapest Airport said the project is necessary primarily because air traffic has grown significantly in recent years, while airlines increasingly operate larger aircraft that place greater demands on infrastructure, writes Magyar Építők.

The reconstruction aims to increase capacity, improve the technical condition of airport surfaces, and enhance operational safety. Another key objective is compliance with EU aviation regulations, particularly Regulation (EU) No 139/2014, which sets strict standards for airport infrastructure serving large aircraft categories known as Code E and Code F.

The works will focus on sections outside the runway safety strip along Taxiways K and A5, also affecting parts of Taxiways N and A6. In addition to resurfacing, the project includes the modernisation of utilities, terrain adjustments, and ensuring that all affected areas meet international aviation safety standards.

Football-pitch-sized construction area

Preliminary estimates indicate that the scale of construction will be substantial. The project involves widening concrete taxiway pavements and constructing roughly 4,500 square metres of new outdoor basalt-concrete surfacing.

In addition, around 7,800 square metres of asphalt shoulders will be demolished and rebuilt with widened structures to accommodate modern aircraft manoeuvring requirements.

Contractors will also need to review taxiway widths, shoulder dimensions, and turning radii at junctions, carrying out modifications wherever necessary to meet current operational standards.