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Based on the transaction signed in 2024 and closed on September 30, 2025, the combined company will provide ground handling, cargo handling, and lounge services at Budapest Feren Liszt International Airport. For example, the airport’s largest premium lounge, the well-known SkyCourt Lounge, becomes part of the integrated offering under the Menzies Aviation brand.
Under the terms of the transaction, previously approved by the Hungarian Competition Authority, AS Budapest’s ground handling and cargo operations will be taken over by two Hungarian subsidiaries of Menzies. Simultaneously, AS Budapest will acquire a minority stake in Menzies Aviation Hungary Kft. and Menzies Aviation Cargo Hungary Kft.
AS Budapest has been a key ground handling partner for several major airlines at Budapest Airport, while Menzies is one of the world’s leading airport service providers, present at over 350 airports in 65 countries globally. As part of the agreement between the parties, AS Budapest employees will be offered new positions at Menzies Aviation Hungary Kft. and Menzies Aviation Cargo Hungary Kft., ensuring the continuity of services provided at the airport.
At airports, ground handling companies are responsible for a wide range of services, including passenger handling, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading and unloading, bus transportation of passengers, and certain security services – in essence, everything that happens on the ground involving an airline’s aircraft and passengers. Together, the companies will handle more than 2,500 flights and 12,000 tonnes of cargo per month at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, supported by a team of over 1,000 employees.
The agreement marks an important milestone in Menzies’ presence in Budapest, which has 3,000 square meters of warehouse space, 1,500 square meters of manoeuvring area for trucks and ground handling equipment, and 300 square meters of office and community space at BUD Cargo City, ensuring optimal conditions for the development of its services.
“In order to improve the quality of ground services available at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport and make them more competitive, we have joined forces with AS Budapest. We are supported in this by AS Budapest’s local expertise and experience, combined with Menzies’ unique global knowledge and operational strengths. With this merger, we aim to respond to both the growing demand for airport services and the increasing expectations of airlines and airport partners for premium services” said Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, executive vice president of Menzies Aviation Europe.
By the end of August 2025, Budapest Airport had welcomed approximately 12.82 million passengers, representing a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Forecasts indicate further significant growth in the coming years, with annual passenger traffic potentially reaching 20 million by 2030.
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