Hungary reclaims majority stake in Budapest airport for €3.1 billion
After two decades, the government has once again become the majority shareholder of the Budapest airport, the Hungarian Ministry of Economy reported. The transaction cost approximately €3.1 billion. The repurchase of the airport, which the government of Ferenc Gyurcsany privatized, has been a goal of Viktor Orban's government for several years.
The ministry stated in a communication quoted by Hungarian media that the airport has once again become state-owned. The transaction cost approximately €3.1 billion.
The Hungarian state will acquire 80% of Budapest Airport Zrt. 's shares, while 20% will go to a co-investor, the French company Vinci, which operates over 60 airports in several countries worldwide.
Budapest Airport Zrt. 's previous majority owner was AviAlliance GmbH, which belongs to the Canadian Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments).
Orban's goal
The repurchase of the Budapest airport, privatized by the government of Ferenc Gyurcsany at the end of 2005, has been a goal of Viktor Orban's government for several years. Since December, it had been reported that the transaction was close to completion.
Initially, the media reported that the government would acquire a 51% stake while 49% would go to a foreign operator.
The government held talks with several investors for this purpose, including from Qatar. The choice ultimately fell on the French company Vinci.
Expansion
The Budapest airport is to be expanded, and plans are expected to be presented by the new owners at the beginning of July.
Ferenc Liszt Airport is the largest international airport in Hungary, located about 16 kilometers southeast of the center of Budapest. In 2023, it served 14.7 million passengers.
