Soon open to passenger traffic: Balaton airport gets major upgrade with huge investment
The airport at Lake Balaton is set for a comprehensive transformation, as the Hungarian government has allocated nearly HUF 3 billion (approx. EUR 7.4 million) for the renovation of the Hévíz-Balaton Airport in Sármellék. The upgrade aims to boost high-quality tourism in the region and reduce seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers.
According to Bálint Nagy, State Secretary of the Ministry of Construction and Transport, the investment includes HUF 2.8 billion (EUR 6.9 million) dedicated to infrastructure improvements, while the remainder will go towards equipment purchases and services.
Comprehensive overhaul underway
According to Index, the airport’s runway is currently undergoing full maintenance. The taxiway, apron lighting, and navigation systems are also being modernised. Once completed, the passenger terminal will be capable of serving two aircraft simultaneously — a significant step forward for the facility.
Although the airport near the Kis-Balaton region is presently used primarily for ad-hoc cargo shipments by e-commerce companies, the renewed infrastructure is expected to open it up for regular passenger traffic.
New routes and tourism boost
From 2026, the airport plans to offer flights to and from destinations in Germany, Israel, and the Visegrád Four countries.
Hévíz-Balaton Airport Ltd., in cooperation with Visit Hungary, is already in talks to introduce scheduled services by 2026.
The revitalised airport will be able to accommodate aircraft with 150–220 passengers, making it suitable for low-cost and charter flights arriving from across Europe and even nearby parts of Asia.
Key to “Balaton 365” and regional development
Tourism is one of the primary drivers of the local economy in western Hungary. Destinations like Hévíz, Zalakaros, and the southern shore of Lake Balaton are the most visited areas in Hungary outside of Budapest. With its upgraded services, Balaton Airport is expected to further increase the region’s accessibility and tourism appeal, supporting the long-term “Balaton 365” goal — making the area a year-round destination.
The development is part of a broader strategy by Hungary’s Ministry of National Economy to unify and strengthen the country’s regional airports — including Budapest, Debrecen, and Sármellék — under a centralised operating model coordinated by the newly formed Regional Airport Holding Ltd.
By improving air access and infrastructure, the government hopes the Balaton area will attract more international visitors and provide greater economic opportunities to local communities relying on tourism and hospitality.
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