Unexpected turn regarding the fate of Budapest Airport
After several previous offers, Hungarian PM Orbán is suddenly in no rush to buy the Budapest Airport.
Orbán seems to step back?
“We are doing well for the time being”, the Hungarian PM expressed his standpoint regarding the planned acquisition. He also added that they need to keep a close eye on the budget deficit.
„At the moment, buying the airport seems unreasonable because of the high inflation and the uncertainty in the international financial sector. We will wait for the elections and then make a decision,” Orban continued.
This answer also suggests that the prime minister has no doubt about winning the elections next April.
Viktor Orbán had previously spoken very confidently about the acquisition of the Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Back then, it seemed that the only question remained is whether they would announce the purchase at the end of this year or the next one, just before the elections.
The Government has made several offers in the past two years including one in September and another one in October.
The current owner is inclined to sell
The current owner of the Budapest Airport, the German AviAlliance announced just a month ago that the financial review on the company responsible for operating the Budapest Airport had begun.
Apparently, the EUR 4.44 billion bid proposed by the Hungarian state seemed high enough.
What is certain is that only the state can offer such a massive amount of money. Moreover, it is no secret either that the Orbán government really wants to see the Hungarian airport in domestic hands.
The Hungarian consortium involved in the transaction also consists of a local company called Indotek, which has already established control over the Malév (the former Hungarian airline) headquarters, as well as Mol, the Hungarian oil company.
Budapest Airport was privatised in 2005. The Hungarian state retained a 25 pc stake until 2011 when they decided to get rid of it.
Other projected government developments
The government is also planning to build and renovate airports in the countryside, and several municipal airports may change ownership in the future. According to Forbes, both pro-government contractors and the state itself can appear on the buyer’s side.
You can also read about the development proposal of the Pécs Airport here.
Source: