Hungarian investors to build new international airport near Budapest

If a group of Hungarian investors have their way, Budapest’s Ferihegy International Airport will soon be facing some stiff competition from a brand new hub slated to be built 60km southwest of Hungary’s capital, near the town of Székesfehérvár.  The new hub will be called Alba Airport, and it is expected to be open its doors to passengers in early 2010.

The project is being spearheaded by a Hungarian real estate developed called Biggeorge’s-NV Zrt. What will make Alba Airport different from Ferihegy, is that this new hub will be owned and operated by Hungarian investors, whereas the Budapest Airport is currently operated by German-owned giant, Hochtief. The main risk for Ferihegy is that Alba Airport will attract low cost carriers, which are based at Terminal 1. Alba Airport will focus very heavily on discount carriers and charter flights. Székesfehervár is an attractive, historic city in its own right and as such, it may convince some passengers to check out the local attractions, before taking the hour and a half train ride to Budapest.

Despite its curious sounding name, Biggeorge’s-NV Zrt is major real estate developer in Hungary and has developed more than $914 worth in real estate.

Thank you to Reuters for the initial report.