Budaörs Airport, a general aviation airfield on the outskirts of Budapest’s XI District, is one such place where the legacy and life of aviation continues to thrive. Opened in 1937, Hungary’s first international airport is alive and well more than 80 years later. This one-of-a-kind piece of history is still doing its part to paint the skies blue. The airport still boasts its legendary Bauhaus terminal, now a protected building. This architectural beauty, constructed in 1933, grew from a design competition among local architects, where designers Virgil Bierbauer and László Králik took first place.
This airport is unique in that it is not only a historical site, but it plays an important role in current aviation initiatives. Budaörs Airport is about to take off again! It now provides full-time flight training programs for aspiring pilots from Hungary and all over the world. With its deep history and current day use, the airport provides a powerful combination of South’s airport nostalgia with today’s new aviation world.
At the height of its use, Budaörs Airport was home to the largest hangar in Europe. More than anything else, it was instrumental in pioneering commercial aviation in Hungary. These days, it still accepts international arrivals with open arms. It mostly serves as a destination for hobbyist pilots and private planes from the European Union’s open-border Schengen Area. The success of the present operations makes Budaörs an invaluable regional center for all flying interests.
Budaörs Airport has gone through quite a transition in recent years. Today, it’s home to FlyCoop, an aviation firm that got its start in the 1990s providing ag aircraft services. CEO Gergely Ocsovai has been at the helm, recently leading FlyCoop’s transformation into a full-service aviation conglomerate. The firm has since expanded its fleet to include more than 40 aircraft. The carrier’s portfolio includes everything from air taxis and on-demand aircraft rental to helicopter terminals and rides.
“When it comes to flying, we can handle everything in-house,” – Gergely Ocsovai
The airport’s offerings extend beyond traditional flights. Offering exceptional sightseeing flights, passengers have the opportunity to personally bask in the beauty Budapest and its surroundings in aerial form. Pedal along on one of six thrilling 25-mile urban city loops. Or, take a one hour long trip to stunning natural and cultural sites such as Danube Bend, Visegrád and Esztergom.
Molnar, airport, told that the airport’s favorable location to events usually results in event attendees making last minute flight reservations.
“People come here for an event and end up booking a flight,” – Eszter
The airport further experiences a surge in passenger numbers on special holidays such as Christmas. On the weekends, it garners a lot of attention from people just wanting to mix social time with flying time.
“We saw huge interest over the weekend; people came here to dance and party but would then go up and fly over the city,” – Eszter
Budaörs Airport is known for its laid-back vibe and no-nonsense practicality. You can be on a flight just minutes after touching down. That easy-to-use nature makes it a popular place for anyone looking to get into flying on a more personal level.
One of the most bizarre attractions in Budaörs is a Soviet-era Lisunov Li-2 passenger plane. It now waits on the tarmac at the airport, ready and excited for its next flight. The face of the airport’s remarkable history, this aircraft, is a rather tragic token of what we’ve lost.
Budaörs Airport is having an uphill battle in maintaining its legacy. Eszter makes a powerful case for keeping this unique airport vital and thriving.
“It’s important to ensure that the airport stays alive, and we just want to see it preserved and used, not left to crumble,” – Eszter
On international flights, Budaörs Airport needs 24 hours advance notice if arriving or departing from outside the Schengen Area.
“If a plane is coming from outside Schengen or planning to leave the Schengen Area, we need 24 hours’ notice,” – Eszter
As one of Hungary’s busiest small aircraft reliever airports, Budaörs is an important part of the country’s aviation health and vitality. It’s become something much bigger than that, though — it’s the place where aviation enthusiasts and professionals come together.
“These planes require constant care to keep them airworthy,” – Eszter
As one of Hungary’s busiest small aircraft airports, Budaörs plays a crucial role in supporting aviation activities. It serves as a meeting point for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
