Budapest Airport’s Terminal 3 to break ground this year amid ambitious aviation overhaul
Hungary is set to take a major step in its aviation development as construction of Terminal 3 at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) is expected to begin later this year. The announcement was made by Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy, who emphasised the need to accommodate the rapidly growing number of passengers, which could reach 20 million even before 2030.
The expansion is part of a broader, government-backed strategy to elevate Hungary’s aviation sector. In addition to Terminal 3, plans are also underway for major upgrades at other regional airports. “Capacity must be built in a way that doesn’t limit future growth,” Nagy stressed, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting large-scale infrastructure projects in air travel, Index reported.
Global first: the mirTWR system
One of the key technological pillars underpinning this strategy is the launch of HungaroControl’s new digital remote tower system, mirTWR. This EUR 20 million project, co-financed by the EU, positions Hungary at the forefront of air traffic management. The state-of-the-art system allows air traffic controllers to direct airport operations remotely without the need for on-site presence—a global first at this scale. It also ensures uninterrupted airport operations during the planned renovation of the existing control tower in the next two to three years.
HungaroControl CEO Ferenc Túri highlighted that the company now has the capability to manage air traffic at any airport in the world remotely. With Hungary already overseeing Kosovo’s airspace, this innovation solidifies the country’s reputation as a leader in aviation technology. Túri emphasised that such advances are only possible thanks to coordinated development between state-owned HungaroControl and the also majority state-owned Budapest Airport.
420 take-offs and landings in a week
The rapid rise in air traffic further underscores the urgency of these developments. On a single day earlier this week, the airport handled 420 take-offs and landings—a 25% increase compared to the same day last year. According to Túri, the system’s modular, video-based design presents a new paradigm for airport operations, potentially blending traditional tower oversight with remote capabilities even after the physical tower is refurbished.
Minister Nagy concluded that while the government will provide all necessary support for aviation growth, it expects flawless execution in return. The combined efforts of HungaroControl and Budapest Airport show a great new chapter in Hungary’s aviation future—one grounded in innovation, scalability, and resilience.
Read more about Budapest Airport HERE.
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