The government has decided on several transport development projects connected to Ferenc Liszt International Airport. These include a new high-speed rail link between the airport and the Western Railway Station, as well as a new cargo airfield. Both projects are to be implemented on a concession basis. The first with an estimated cost of EUR 1 billion and the second ranging from EUR 0.4 to 1 billion.
According to the plans, a new rail line will be built between Kőbánya and the airport, connecting the airport to the national railway infrastructure. Both foreign and Hungarian investors are invited to participate in the concession project.
The government is evaluating 5 to 6 potential sites for the new cargo airport, either on existing facilities or greenfield land. Since 84% of cargo traffic originates from Asia and the United States, it is expected that investors from China, the Middle East, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan may not only build but also operate the new cargo airport.
The construction of the new cargo airport is necessary because Budapest Airport is approaching its maximum annual cargo capacity of 400,000–450,000 tons. With the rise in passenger traffic, there is no longer sufficient space for air cargo operations. Passenger traffic at Budapest Airport has grown by an average of 14% in recent years, with 17.6 million passengers handled last year.