Viktor Orban's government wants to bring Budapest Airport back into Hungarian hands. It is still unclear whether the state should acquire directly or through the oil company MOL or a real estate group close to the prime minister. 4,44 billion euros are now being offered.

The largest airport in Hungary is currently in the hands of AviAlliance, Malton Investment and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The government offered around three billion euros for the buyback last year, but this was apparently not enough for the owners. The high priority Viktor Orban is giving the project is shown by the offer, which has now been improved to 4,4 billion euros.

According to local media reports, Hungary could take an annual rate of EU funding for the repurchase of the Budapest airport in hand. The only thing that is certain is that the state wants to hold “at least 51 percent” in the future. The best thing would be full ownership, but this could also be realized through MOL or the Indotek group, which is related to Orban.

The Hungarian government argues that they want to invest in the airport and equip it with new terminals, parking spaces for cars, hotels and freight facilities. Terminal 1, which has been closed for a number of years, is also due to go back online in a modern form. It was not communicated whether it will be renovated, demolished or a new building will be built next to it. In general, people are very cautious about the details of their future plans.

Budapest Airport was privatized in 2005. Since then, the operating company has changed hands repeatedly. AviAlliance currently holds 53,44 percent, Malton 23,33 percent and Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec 21,23 percent. The concession was originally granted for 75 years. Thus, the government has a great interest in not only buying back the properties, but also the operating company, because the concession is liable to this.

The Orban government expects air traffic to grow strongly from around 2023 and not only want something from the pie, but also gain influence on air traffic to / from Hungary. It is completely unclear what measures will be taken if the current owners decide not to sell to the state.