Budapest Airport has completed the second phase of the new €33m ($37m) Pier 1 in line with its deadline.

The investment project commenced on 19 July 2019 and the construction of all elements, including the connector corridor to Terminal 2A, was completed in just 339 days.

Phase one was handed over in January 2020. Construction work on Phase two was completed on 22 June 2020. The new facility will open for passengers once the airport receives the usage permit. It replaces the previous ‘basic’ boarding gates and significantly increases the capacity of Terminal 2A.

Construction work has been ongoing over the past 11 months and continued during the 2019 summer peak season, without disturbing regular daily traffic.

The new 11,500sq m building replaces previous facilities spanning around 3,000sq m and provides shops and extra services. The single-storey building comprises eight pedestrian boarding gates which are directly connected to the aircraft. A further six boarding gates facilitate the transport of passengers to aircraft parked on remote stands. The building itself is made from sustainable constriction components such as wooden beams and glass.

PIER 1 PROJECT COMPLETED IN RECORD TIME

In the central hall, passengers can enjoy resting and waiting areas, retail and catering outlets and three bathroom blocks. A smokers terrace has also been created. A connection corridor equipped with escalators and elevators ensures passengers can reach the new boarding hall from Terminal 2A without having to leave the building after check-in.

Dr. Rolf Schnitzler, CEO of Budapest Airport Zrt said: “During the handover of Pier 1 in January, we said a new year and new chapter was beginning in the life of Budapest Airport.

“The last six months have proven this to be true in all respects. Our industry must face unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, which overwrites the lives and plans of many of us. But our strong belief in the continued and even increasing attractiveness of Budapest and Hungary as an air travel destination has not changed.

“This is why we continue developing the airport, even in the current situation and striving to provide the highest possible service quality for our passengers. “

“With Pier 1, we are ready to welcome passengers back in an ultramodern and beautiful environment, which I am sure travellers will love, based on the positive feedback already received since the opening of the first phase.”