Sunday, May 18, 2025

is preparing for a record-breaking year in air travel as rising demand, strategic geographic positioning, and advanced air traffic control systems drive a dramatic increase in both overflights and airport operations in 2025. With over eighty-three percent of flights expected to transit through Hungarian airspace and significant growth projected at Budapest Airport, the country is rapidly emerging as a vital travel hub in Central Europe. The introduction of innovative technologies like the remote tower system, along with proactive planning by HungaroControl, underscores Hungary’s commitment to handling soaring volumes while ensuring smooth and delay-free travel for passengers.

Hungarian air navigation authority HungaroControl is forecasting a significant surge in air traffic throughout 2025, fueled by rising transit flights and robust passenger demand at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The agency anticipates an increase of in overflight traffic and a rise in traffic at the country’s primary international gateway compared to 2024.

Data collected during the first four months of 2025 supports these optimistic projections. Traditionally considered the slowest travel period of the year, this time frame saw an impressive in total aircraft movements across Hungarian airspace, reaching . This strong performance already eclipses last year’s figures for the same period, positioning 2025 to be the for Hungarian aviation.

A striking of all aircraft movements recorded in early 2025 were overflights — flights that transit through Hungarian skies without landing. Between January and April alone, crossed the country’s airspace en route to other destinations, underlining Hungary’s critical role as a central transit corridor for European and intercontinental routes.

HungaroControl emphasized that the bulk of the increase in volume is being driven by Hungary’s in Central Europe, which makes it a vital connector for air routes between Western Europe, the Balkans, and Asia. Despite the dominance of overflights, traffic at is also showing , with more flights, larger aircraft, and a broader range of destinations.

In response to the rising traffic levels, HungaroControl has implemented a series of proactive operational measures aimed at minimizing flight delays and ensuring smooth navigation services during the critical summer travel season. The agency’s preparations include upgraded staffing, enhanced air traffic control systems, and strengthened coordination with airlines and airport operators.

This approach is part of Hungary’s broader commitment to maintaining high service standards as demand continues to rise throughout the year.

In a technological milestone for the region, has introduced a cutting-edge — the . The newly inaugurated system enables airport controllers to manage takeoffs, landings, and taxiway operations remotely, independent of their physical location.

The mirTWR solution is expected to deliver multiple operational benefits including:

The deployment of this advanced air traffic management tool highlights Hungary’s innovative approach to airport modernization and positions Budapest as a leader in air navigation technology.

HungaroControl’s optimistic projections reflect not only rising demand but also the broader trends in European aviation. As passengers return to the skies in record numbers following recent global disruptions, Central Europe — and particularly Hungary — is fast becoming a strategic aviation hub.

Airlines are expanding their networks through Hungarian airspace due to fewer congestion issues compared to Western European corridors. The country’s flexible and well-equipped navigation infrastructure is increasingly attractive to both budget carriers and full-service airlines.

Hungary is on track to experience record-breaking air travel in 2025, driven by a surge in overflights and strong growth at Budapest Airport. Strategic upgrades and advanced technology are helping the country prepare for its busiest aviation year yet.

Additionally, sustained growth at Budapest Airport signals renewed passenger confidence and a revival in inbound and outbound tourism. Enhanced connectivity is likely to fuel further economic benefits, boosting hospitality, logistics, and trade sectors linked to aviation.