Hungary’s transport and investment minister, Dávid Vitézy, has announced plans to renovate and expand the main road connecting Budapest with Ferenc Liszt International Airport, but major construction work expected to begin in the end of this decade.
Government approves long-awaited renovation and expansion
The government has approved the revival of the long-delayed project, which aims to improve traffic flow, make journeys to the airport more reliable and strengthen connections between the capital’s southern districts and surrounding settlements.
Vitézy said previous governments had promised to rebuild the airport expressway for more than a decade but had repeatedly postponed the work. The current administration has now authorised further preparations, including land acquisition and the completion of detailed designs.
The existing road has only one lane in each direction, meaning a single accident can bring traffic to a complete standstill. This affects not only motorists and taxis heading to the airport but also the 100E airport bus service and commuters travelling from the Vecsés area.
Nearly 11 kilometres of roads and junctions to be upgraded in Budapest
The project covers almost 11 kilometres between Határ Road and Vecsés, including improvements to the airport road and the parallel Gyömrői Road. The plans include expanding key sections, replacing outdated bridges and underpasses, and introducing additional junctions.
A new dual-carriageway bridge is planned between Kőbánya-Kispest and Hangár Street, with one of its outer lanes reserved for buses. Further sections would feature up to three lanes in each direction, including dedicated bus lanes, while the current arrangement separating traffic in the central lanes would be removed.
The scheme also includes upgrading Kőér Street, building a grade-separated crossing of the Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok railway line, and improving connections for pedestrians and cyclists. A dangerous level crossing at the end of Üllői Road is also due to be replaced by a separate-level road and rail connection. Noise barriers covering more than 45,000 square metres are planned along a combined length of 10.8 kilometres to protect nearby residential areas.
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Land acquisition and preparation to begin
The government has allocated HUF 24.5 billion for preparatory work and land acquisition in 2027 and 2028. More than 300 properties are expected to be affected by the acquisitions required for the project. According to Vitézy, the final construction plans could be completed in the second half of 2027, allowing the public procurement process to begin around the same time. Preliminary construction work could start in 2028, with the main building phase expected in 2029.
The minister said the development would improve access to the airport while creating better links between neighbourhoods currently divided by the expressway. The project is also intended to improve the first impression of Budapest for visitors arriving by road.
