Hungary’s Transport and Investment Ministry has set up a working group to examine night-time flights at Budapest Airport, after hundreds of aircraft movements were recorded during the legally restricted deep-sleep period.
Hundreds of flights recorded after midnight at Budapest Airport
Under Hungary’s current rules, no more than six commercial aircraft movements may be scheduled at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport between midnight and 5 AM, the period designated as the “deep-sleep” hours. Exceptions can be authorised by the aviation authority in specific circumstances.
However, data published by HungaroControl show that the limit was exceeded frequently in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 829 aircraft movements were recorded during the five-hour period, averaging 9.2 take-offs or landings per night.
The figures also show that 65 of the 90 nights in the quarter saw more than six aircraft movements. On the busiest night, 6 January, as many as 30 aircraft took off or landed between midnight and 5 AM.
Weather conditions and delays caused by air-traffic congestion can partly explain the higher numbers, but the scale of the figures has renewed concerns about noise affecting communities around the airport.
The areas most affected include Budapest’s 10th, 14th, 17th and 18th districts, as well as parts of Vecsés and Üllő.
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Ministry working with airport and airlines
The issue was discussed in late August when Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy held talks with Wizz Air CEO József Váradi. The ministry has since established a working group involving Budapest Airport, HungaroControl and Wizz Air to examine the situation.
According to the ministry, the group is reviewing current conditions, operational experience and available data before deciding what measures may be necessary.
“Within the framework of the working group, we are examining what steps need to be taken to ensure, to the greatest possible extent, that residents living in the area can enjoy peaceful rest during the deep-sleep period,” the ministry told 24.hu.
The government body has not announced a decision to introduce a complete night-flight ban.
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Local authorities call for tougher restrictions
Several affected municipalities, however, are pushing for much stricter measures. Local authorities argue that the only effective solution would be a complete and strict ban on night-time traffic during the deep-sleep period. They also want representatives of the affected districts and settlements to join the ministry’s working group so they can directly represent local residents.
András Rózsa, the mayor of Zugló, has also called for compensation for the district because of the additional noise burden. For now, the ministry’s working group is analysing the available data and operational practices. Its review could determine whether Hungary’s existing restrictions on night flights at Budapest Airport need to be tightened.
