Juszt Optika has been crowned Retailer of the Year at Budapest Airport’s 14th Annual Awards Gala.

The celebratory event, which took place on 2 March, serves to highlight the close collaborations and partnerships that have helped the airport to ‘remain robust and to continue to deliver exceptional performance throughout 2022′.

“As the operator of Optic World sunglasses, we have experienced great success at Budapest this last year,” said Viktor Sasvári, CEO, Juszt Optika.

“Being part of the development and resurgence at the airport has seen fantastic results with our turnover increasing by more than 20% when compared to 2019.

“We are the number one retailer with the highest recovery rate, and I’d like to thank the team at Budapest Airport for this wonderful recognition.”

The Hungarian gateway handled 12.2 million passengers last year, having recovered 75% of 2019 passenger traffic.

The outlook for the year ahead is already off to a positive start, recording a 67% increase in passengers in January (compared to January 2022).

“Not so long ago, the aviation world went through one of the hardest times in its history and without the close cooperation of all our partners, from airlines to ground handlers, concessionaires to technology providers, we would not have been able to maintain our strength and desire for continuous development, while upholding a high-quality passenger experience,” said Chris Dinsdale, CEO, Budapest Airport during his speech at the gala.

“I want to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of our associates who share the responsibility in supporting Budapest Airport’s visions for a sustainable future and the key roles they play in our ambitions for growth and improvement.

“There is once again a sense of excitement for the future, and I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude that we will work alongside each other through new challenges and opportunities.”

A total of 15 of the airport’s partners were recognised at the Annual Awards Gala.

Among the companies and service providers awarded, are: ibis Styles Budapest Airport Hotel as Greenairport Partner of the Year; Plaza Premium Lounge Hungary Kft. As Best Commercial Passenger Services Partner; and Korean Air as Best Newcomer Airline.