Budapest 2026: Euro Jet’s Ground Support Guide for the UEFA Champions League Final

The biggest event on Budapest’s 2026 calendar is fast approaching – the UEFA Champions League Final is set to take place on 30 May at the Puskas Arena. As the city prepares to welcome a significant influx of traffic, Euro Jet’s team in Hungary is ready to support your operations at Budapest Airport as well as at nearby alternate airports. To help you prepare, we have put together an overview of the key points to keep in mind when planning your flight operations for this event.

Slots & Parking

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airports (LHBP/BUD) will be slot coordinated from May 29-31. Both slots and PPR are required for all flights. PPR requests can be submitted starting May 7, with the Airport Authorities issuing confirmations, offers, or rejections from 06:00 UTC on May 13. Slots requests may only be submitted after obtaining PPR. Slot allocation will begin at 06:00 UTC on May 13 and end at 21:59 UTC on May 17. These timelines must be strictly followed as any requests submitted outside of these windows will be rejected.

The airport operates 24 hours a day; however, there is a night movement restriction in place between 20:00 and 03:55 UTC. All available night slots have already been allocated to scheduled traffic. While exemptions may be granted, operators must apply in advance for special permission directly with the CAA. Applications can be submitted now but will only be reviewed by the airport after May 7.

Parking at Budapest Airport will be very limited during this period, and operators should not rely on securing parking in Budapest when preparing their flight operations. We strongly recommend planning for minimum ground time, dropping off passengers, and repositioning to nearby airports for longer-term parking.

Alternate Airports

As it is very likely that operators will need to reposition away from Budapest, this should be factored into planning from the outset. A reliable alternate strategy is essential, with several options available both within Hungary and in neighboring countries.

The closest airports to Budapest are Tököl (LHTL) and Kiskunlachaza (LHKK). While these airfields can accommodate landings and parking, operators should be aware that services and infrastructure are very limited. Catering can be arranged, but there is no GPU and no lavatory or water service available. Customs clearance is possible at both locations, and Euro Jet can assist with arranging ground transportation.

Within Hungary, Debrecen (LHDC/DEB) and Heviz-Balaton (LHSM/SOB) are strong repositioning options. Both are international airports with good infrastructure and full services available. Euro Jet has dedicated agents at both locations who are ready to support all operational requirements. There are also good highway connections to Budapest, making passenger transfers feasible.

As capacity at these airports may also become limited due to the expected traffic levels, early planning and booking are important. Additional nearby options include Bratislava (LZIB/BTS) in Slovakia and Vienna (LOWW/VIE) in Austria. While both are suitable for parking, ongoing roadworks on the highway to Budapest are causing significant delays, making them less suitable for passenger ground transportation.

If these options are not available, we recommend also considering airports in the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, and Croatia for longer-term parking. Euro Jet has a network of agents across all these locations and can assist in building a practical and efficient operating plan.

Ground Rules

The most important point is not to leave handling requests and ground service arrangements to the last minute. Any requests submitted on the day of the match may not be accommodated, and the airport could refuse handling due to capacity constraints.

We strongly advise arriving with sufficient fuel to allow for a quick turnaround and departure, as refueling may be significantly delayed during peak times. If required, refueling should be done on arrival. All ground services, including cleaning, lavatory, and water services, must be completed on arrival.

Catering orders should be placed at least 36 hours prior to ETD. No changes will be accepted after confirmation, as last-minute updates cannot be guaranteed.

For aircraft staying overnight, crew ground transportation must be requested at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Crew should plan to be at the airport at least three hours before departure. As parking positions will not be self-maneuvering and towing will be required, additional time must be built into the departure process. Traffic congestion is expected, and sufficient time should be allowed for travel between the city and the airport. Operators should also ensure adequate crew duty time to account for potential delays.

Hotel availability in Budapest is extremely limited for the peak period from May 29-31. While Euro Jet can assist, the vast majority of rooms are already booked.

Euro Jet’s Support

Euro Jet’s team in Hungary is led by Country Manager, Peter Pazurek. Our daily operations are supported by Ground Service Coordinators Peter Kiss, Nikoletta Szucs, and Akos Gotz in Budapest, Adam Farkas in Heviz-Balaton, and Mark Tassonyi and Mark Szilagyi in Debrecen. The team has a strong track record supporting high-profile events and assisting with a wide range of flight types and passenger requirements. Their local expertise, combined with close coordination with airport authorities, ensures seamless ground operation in line with the latest procedures and regulations.

In Budapest, Euro Jet has recently opened a brand-new crew office, offering a comfortable and private space for crew to rest between flights. A dedicated ramp vehicle is also available, enabling quick ground transportation on the airside.

We also offer flexible credit arrangements covering services such as catering, ground transportation, and airport-related fees. This can simplify the process for our customers, as certain charges would otherwise need to be settled with the airport in advance.

For any requests or operational guidance, please contact our Sales Team or our 24/7 Operations Center. We are fully focused on this event and committed to ensuring a successful experience for our customers.

We look forward to supporting your flights in Budapest and across Hungary this May.

Images: Euro Jet Archive