Air traffic in Hungary reaches record high in 2024: HungaroControl manages 1.1 million aircraft

Hungary’s airspace experienced unprecedented traffic in 2024, with HungaroControl managing over 1.1 million aircraft throughout the year—an increase of nearly 6% compared to the previous year, the Hungarian air navigation service provider announced on Thursday via MTI.

Historic milestone for air traffic

According to the report, 2024 marked the highest air traffic levels in Hungary’s history, with a total of 1,144,000 aircraft crossing its airspace—an average of over 95,000 flights per month. This figure represents a 5.99% increase compared to 2023, itself a record year, and a 21.08% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. During peak months—July and August—HungaroControl managed over 120,000 flights.

Overflight traffic dominates

Nearly 84% of the traffic consisted of aircraft simply passing through Hungarian airspace. HungaroControl guided nearly 960,000 such overflights in 2024, reflecting an over 5% rise compared to the previous year and a 26.62% increase relative to 2019. Traffic at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport also grew, both in terms of arrivals and departures. Additionally, HungaroControl managed nearly 60,000 small aircraft flights from regional and smaller airports.

Preparing for increasing demand

HungaroControl stated that it is expanding its capacity to ensure safe air travel amid steadily growing traffic volumes. In 2024, nine air traffic control trainees earned their certifications, 11 foreign controllers joined the company, and three Hungarian controllers returned after working abroad. Projections suggest that 2025 will also bring heavy air traffic. To manage this, HungaroControl plans several professional, human resource, and technological developments. These include ensuring the continuous presence of meteorological assistance in operations rooms, optimising the airspace’s logical structure for greater efficiency, and implementing strategic projects in collaboration with Budapest Airport.

Comments from HungaroControl CEO

Ferenc Turi, CEO of HungaroControl, emphasised in the statement that the company is taking significant steps to minimise delays and effectively manage both overflights and arrival/departure traffic.

About HungaroControl

HungaroControl Plc., employing over 700 staff members, is a state-owned enterprise providing air navigation services in Hungarian airspace and, under NATO’s request, in the upper airspace above Kosovo. The company’s activities include training air traffic personnel and engaging in air navigation research and development. Its sole shareholder is N7 Holding National Defence Industry Innovation Plc., with indirect ownership managed by Hungary’s Ministry of National Economy.

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