‘Shop till you fly’: Budapest Airport opens its new commercial spread at SkyCourt.

Summer travellers to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) will be greeted by an enhanced retail and F&B experience following the conclusion of a major works project.

BUD partners yesterday celebrated the conclusion of the Hungarian gateway’s commercial renovation, with a number of store openings taking place.

These included a 250sq m Memories of Hungary souvenirs and Hungarian food outlet, combining three stores into one; Inglot cosmetics; sports fashion and Hungarian designer shoes from Dorko; and expanded retail spaces for Michael Negrin and Living Toys.

A new Optic World opticians made its arrival and Costa Coffee has been expanded.

‘ROBUST RETAIL PERFORMANCE’

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Budapest Airport CEO Jost Lammers said: “We are happy to highlight that, with the dynamic increase of passenger traffic at the airport, our retail partners also report robust growth. The increasing demand for our exclusive branded stores makes it clear that for our passengers the real travel experience begins at the airport.

“The innovative retail offer of the new outlets fits not only into our current environment but will also serve as a baseline for the planned Terminal 3 retail offer where we hope to significantly increase our retail capacity too.”

Flagship Heinemann Duty Free store at BUD SkyCourt.

Last year, BUD issued an RFP for concessions covering nine shops spanning Hungarian souvenirs, fine food, sunglasses, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, jewellery, luggage and news/convenience.

BUD has been carrying out a substantial overhaul of the SkyCourt flagship shopping centre located between Terminal 2A and 2B as part of a retail renewal programme dating back to 2015.

Since then, a raft of specialist stores including Swarovski, Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger have opened near to Heinemann Duty Free’s centrally positioned 1,500sq m walkthrough store.

Budapest Airport welcomed more than 13 million passengers in 2017.