A major infrastructure upgrade has been completed at Hévíz–Balaton Airport in Sármellék, with HUF 3 billion invested in modernising the regional airport’s facilities. The development includes a refurbished runway, a rebuilt taxiway, an expanded passenger terminal, and the construction of a brand-new control tower.
Officials say the project marks an important step for the Balaton tourism region, strengthening both passenger and cargo transport capacity in western Hungary.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Bálint Nagy, State Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Construction and Transport, said the project represents the first phase of a broader development strategy.
According to Nagy, the improvements are not only important for the Hévíz–Keszthely area but for the entire Balaton region. The airport’s role is also closely linked to economic developments around Zalaegerszeg, where major industrial investments have been underway in recent years.
Expanded Capacity and Modern Infrastructure
The modernisation has significantly increased the airport’s capacity. The upgraded terminal can now accommodate up to 400 passengers at the same time, handling both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Airport director Attila Benkő explained that the project included the first major refurbishment of the runway in decades, as well as a complete reconstruction of the taxiway. The passenger terminal was expanded and modernised, with new heating and cooling systems installed along with a solar park to improve energy efficiency.
Navigation systems were also replaced, allowing aircraft to land even in poor visibility conditions. The outdated control tower was demolished and replaced with a modern facility, and new lighting systems were installed across the airport grounds.
Together, these upgrades are designed to bring the airport closer to modern operational standards while preparing it for future traffic growth.
Tourism and Regional Development
For the nearby spa town of Hévíz, home to one of Europe’s most famous thermal lakes, the airport is a critical piece of tourism infrastructure.
Mayor Péter Naszádos described the airport as a key driver of development for Zala County, noting that the project became possible through cooperation between the national government, local authorities, and industry partners.
The government is also planning a large-scale redevelopment of the Hévíz spa complex, a project that could significantly increase international visitor numbers. Improved air connectivity through Sármellék is expected to play an important role in supporting that tourism growth.
A Role for Regional Airports
During the ceremony, Ferenc Antal, Deputy State Secretary at the Ministry for National Economy responsible for strategic transactions, emphasised the importance of regional airports in Hungary’s broader infrastructure strategy.
He argued that regional development initiatives would remain incomplete without strong air transport links. Following the government’s reacquisition of Budapest Airport, regional airports now have what he called a “professional big brother” whose international experience can help strengthen the sector.
The strategy aims to integrate airport development with broader transport and logistics networks across the country.
Passenger Flights Returning
The airport is already preparing for new traffic. Two charter routes are scheduled to operate this year, connecting the region with Dresden in Germany and Antalya in Turkey. Together, these flights are expected to bring around 10,000 passengers through the airport during the season.
While passenger numbers remain relatively modest compared with major hubs, the airport’s cargo activity has grown dramatically.
According to Benkő, freight traffic increased from just 30–50 tonnes annually a few years ago to around 3,700 tonnes last year.
Outbound cargo mainly consists of automotive components, reflecting the region’s growing role in manufacturing supply chains. Incoming cargo is dominated by retail goods arriving from China, typically on weekly flights.
Looking Ahead
For decades, Hévíz–Balaton Airport has operated somewhat quietly compared with Hungary’s larger transport hubs. But the latest upgrades suggest a renewed effort to position the facility as a strategic regional gateway.
If tourism expansion around Lake Balaton continues and cargo traffic maintains its recent momentum, Sármellék could gradually evolve into a more prominent node within Hungary’s transport network.
For now, the HUF 3 billion development signals a clear ambition: to transform a once-underused regional airport into a modern facility capable of supporting both tourism and industry in western Hungary.
