‘The repurchase of the airport continues to progress as scheduled, with the transaction entering its final phase,’ the Ministry of National Economy informed on Wednesday in response to press reports.
According to the ministry’s statement, an article published on the 444.hu new website regarding the repurchase of the airport contains several inaccuracies, deliberate distortions, and fictional elements, further adding to the series of maliciously intended articles. Despite all false rumours, the government continues to work towards rectifying the wrongdoing of the Gyurcsány government, which squandered the airport, a significant strategic asset.
The repurchase of the airport is by far the largest transaction since the regime change, hence it presents a complex and intricate task, as selling the airport is easy, but repurchasing it is difficult.
It is not uncommon anywhere in the world for such voluminous deals to take years.
Compared to these transactions, the progress of the current transaction can be considered particularly swift. During the negotiations, reaching an agreement with the creditor consortium is as important as reaching an agreement with the seller. Therefore, these negotiations have been conducted simultaneously, involving negotiations with dozens of banks and international funds. The international investor and creditor circle has consistently appreciated the government’s efforts to reach a quick and professional agreement, the statement stressed.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán commented on the purchase of Budapest Airport during an international press conference on 21 December 2023, saying: ‘I consider this a concluded matter despite it being talked about it as if it were still open. This is a concluded matter; only the technical details need to be finalized.’
The Hungarian state made a purchase offer in the summer for the majority ownership (51 per cent) of Budapest Airport, with the reported purchase price being between €2–3 billion.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Ministry of National Economy
