Hungary’s second-largest airport up for sale – here’s who will take it over
Following a government decision, the Hungarian state will transfer its majority stake in Debrecen International Airport.
Significant changes are coming to the airgate, as the government announced on Thursday that it would restructure the ownership of the company operating the facility. Under the decision, the state will transfer its stake to a specialised holding company, Haom.hu reported.
The state’s 66.22% majority share will be handed over to the National Regional Airport Operating Holding Ltd. The transaction will be carried out directly, without a competitive tender, and the purchase price will be determined by an independent expert.
Not a sale, but a transfer?
Commenting on the transfer of the majority state-owned stake, Máté Lóga, Secretary of State responsible for economic strategy, industry, financial resources, and macroeconomic analysis at the Ministry of National Economy – and also chairman of the board of Budapest Airport Plc. – stated in an article in Világgazdaság that the transaction is not privatisation but a transfer of ownership rights.
“Essentially, as Minister Márton Nagy has already announced, an aviation holding company will be established, responsible for operating all state-owned aviation infrastructure. The state is, let’s say, transferring the stake from direct management to a holding company it indirectly owns. Everything remains unchanged: the airport stays state-owned,” Lóga wrote in his comment.
Although a financial transaction is involved, the Secretary of State emphasised that this does not constitute privatisation. The aim is to place the operation and management of the air base into more efficient and organised frameworks.
The Debrecen Airport could reach an international level
As reported by Világgazdaság, in recent years Debrecen International Airport has steadily expanded its capacity, welcoming a record 750,000 passengers in 2024.
The city and the airport operator have also prepared for upgrades and modernisation: according to plans by the award-winning BORD Architecture Studio, the new terminal will cover 10,800 square metres, while the runway and taxiways will be modernised, and a separate area will be designated for small aircraft operations.
The investment is expected to improve the passenger experience and facilitate new international flights. According to Debrecen’s Mayor, László Papp, the development will significantly contribute to the city’s economic competitiveness by creating jobs and strengthening the international reach of local businesses.
If the airport continues to develop at this pace, and the planned upgrades and modernisation are implemented, it could soon become one of the region’s most prominent air bases.
Cover image: Debrecen International Airport / Facebook