HUNGARY. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport has announced that commercial revenues in 2023 surpassed 2019 numbers, and revealed news of recent store openings and upgrades.
The airport said it has executed a new retail strategy following the return of high passenger traffic following the pandemic. This has been achieved, it noted, without significant expansion of retail spaces, as space at the travel hub remains limited.
“This strategy, carefully balanced between quality and sustainability, redefines the retail experience at the Hungarian gateway, catering to evolving market trends and passenger needs,” the airport commented.
Outlining in more detail its response to changing market dynamics post-pandemic, Budapest Airport said it launched a strategic initiative to tackle the complex issue of optimising retail space by focusing on the most demanded categories, while addressing the current space shortage until terminal capacity is expanded.
This approach aimed to maintain high quality standards and ensure a consistent, positive experience for passengers, the airport noted. To uphold these quality levels, new Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have been developed with partners, incorporating sustainability targets.
Additionally, the airport has introduced revised tender documentation “to facilitate the selection of partners capable of delivering the desired quality”. This strategy, it said, underscores the airport’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience while efficiently managing available resources.
Budapest Airport highlighted recent developments that have enhanced its retail and F&B offer.
WHSmith will open a new landside store in Terminal 2A this month, its third store at airport, increasing its overall footprint to 442sq m. The shop design takes inspiration from the beauty of Hungary and Budapest in particular, according to the retailer. The store follows on from other WHSmith openings in April 2024 (in Budapest Airport’s SKyCourt) and December 2023 (Terminal 2B airside).
Elsewhere, Heinemann Duty Free (HDF) has revitalised its store (as reported) in Terminal 2A with a fresh design and product offer including a strong showcase for Hungarian food and drinks. HDF has also opened a standalone fragrances store named Obsentum and this Spring unveiled a new multi-brand sunglasses store at the airport.
HDF has also recently introduced a ‘Collect on Arrival’ service. It allows passengers travelling to Schengen areas to purchase items in duty free, leave them at the airport and retrieve their purchases from a designated box in the T2A baggage hall when they return.
Other recent retail openings include Hungarian and international fashion and footwear store Playersroom, operated by Hungarian retailer Szinga-Sport; and a HDF-operated Rituals store, opened on 30 May, offering home and body cosmetics, and personal wellbeing products.
On the food & beverage side, Bottega opened a Prosecco Bar in partnership with SSP in April, and the SSP-operated Food Trucks restaurant has recently been unveiled in Pier 1.
Budapest Airport has also expanded self-service options for passengers in the retail environment, with extended kiosks now available at Burger King and KFC, as well as the central HDF and WHSmith stores.
Budapest Airport Retail & Property Director Mirko Fechner commented: “Our innovative retail strategy demonstrates Budapest Airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience while facing limitations in retail space. By integrating customer service aspects, operational issues and environmental responsibility through our new service level agreement, we are not only meeting but exceeding market expectations.
“Budapest Airport remains dedicated to delivering a world-class shopping experience, while ensuring passengers enjoy both convenience and quality during their travels.” ✈
