Having already handled 107,000 tons by the end of July, Budapest Airport is on course to record an all-time high in cargo volume this year. Due to this increase – which is currently a strong 9% in May-July 2023, compared to same period last year – and in order to efficiently handle aircraft with larger capacity, the Hungarian gateway initiated an approximately 10 million EUR investment to double the dedicated BUD Cargo City apron. The transformation enables the airport to handle up to four Code F (B747F) aircraft with nose loading options, simultaneously.
“Since the opening of the BUD Cargo City in 2020, each year Budapest Airport has handled record cargo volumes, and the year-to-date cargo volume till the end of July 2023 was 40% more than during the same period of 2019, signaling a significant growth potential for our partners and the Hungarian economy as a whole,” explains René Droese, chief development officer and deputy CEO for Budapest Airport. “Completing the apron extension is the next important milestone in our overall cargo expansion plan, which will increase the airport’s annual cargo capacity to 300,000 tons per year by the end of 2023, ensuring that Hungary continues to lead the way within Central and Eastern Europe as a competitive cargo hub.”
As a cargo-friendly hub, Budapest Airport has focused intensely on developing its cargo infrastructure in the last few years. From the outset, the BUD Cargo City has been a catalyst, enabling the airport to provide a world-class cargo handling environment with efficient facilities, and further developments are in progress. Following the completion of the apron expansion, the next steps include an additional 6500 m² handling warehouse extension, with offices and other supporting infrastructure, adding to the existing cargo handling capabilities.
During the opening ceremony, Qatar Airways Cargo was the first guest, with a special livery B777F aircraft that arrived on the new apron. Robertino Veltman, VP Europe, Qatar Airways Cargo said: “I would like to congratulate Budapest Airport on the inauguration of the two new freighter stands. Our partnership with Budapest Airport dates all the way back to 2012 when we introduced our first freighter flight. Currently, operating three Boeing 777 freighters and seven belly-hold flights each week, we are glad to support the Hungarian businesses with dedicated cargo capacity. The state-of-the-art facilities at Budapest Airport allow us to handle pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuables, and other types of cargo. We are thankful to Budapest Airport for its support over the years.”
Droese added: “As a long-term project, preparations for the second phase of the BUD Cargo City logistics complex are already under way. We are seeing several cargo projects on the market and high interest for the cargo service options provided at Budapest Airport. Consequently, we need to ensure our infrastructure is in line with demand.”
