Hungary’s airspace saw unprecedented activity in 2024, with HungaroControl, the country’s air navigation service provider, managing 1,144,000 aircraft—a 5.99 per cent rise compared to 2023. This figure also represents a remarkable 21.08 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Monthly averages exceeded 95,000 flights, with the peak months of July and August witnessing over 120,000 flights. These record-breaking numbers highlight Hungary’s strategic role in European air traffic.
The majority—84 per cent—of air traffic consisted of aircraft passing through Hungary’s airspace. In 2024 HungaroControl navigated nearly 960,000 overflights, marking a 5 per cent year-on-year increase and a 26.62 per cent surge compared to 2019. Traffic at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport also grew, alongside nearly 60,000 small aircraft from regional airports. These increases underline the expanding aviation activities within Hungary’s airspace.
HungaroControl has reinforced its capacity to ensure safe and efficient air navigation. In 2024 nine air traffic control trainees earned certification, while 11 foreign controllers joined the workforce. Additionally, three Hungarian controllers returned from overseas assignments. To address rising demands, HungaroControl has implemented strategic measures such as enhancing meteorological support, optimizing the airspace’s logical structure, and collaborating with Budapest Airport on joint projects.
CEO Ferenc Turi emphasized the company’s commitment: ‘We have taken and continue to take steps to minimize delays and manage both overflights and airport traffic efficiently.’
With strong traffic expected to continue in 2025, HungaroControl is investing in professional development, human resources, and technological innovations. These efforts aim to maintain Hungary’s reputation as a leader in air navigation. HungaroControl’s remit extends beyond Hungarian airspace to include managing the high airspace over Kosovo on behalf of NATO. The state-owned enterprise also conducts research and development in air navigation and provides air traffic control training.
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