Hévíz–Balaton Airport to Receive HUF 1.2 Billion in Government Funding
The government is providing a total of HUF 5.5 billion to support the operation of Debrecen Airport, Pécs-Pogány Airport and Hévíz–Balaton Airport in 2026. Of this amount, Sármellék Airport will receive HUF 1.2 billion.
In the short term, the decision secures funding for the airport’s operation. From Hévíz’s perspective, however, the next step may be even more important: according to information from the government, possibilities for developing new flight connections next year are being examined, along with the creation of a sustainable long-term operating model.
What Hévíz Needs Is Not Simply an Airport, but Passengers
From a tourism perspective, the airport’s value is ultimately determined not by the amount of funding it receives, but by the air connections and passenger traffic it can build up over the longer term.
There is already a concrete example this season. In June, ITAKA launched a direct charter service between Sármellék and Antalya, operating throughout the summer season. According to previous information from the tour operator, a decision on whether to continue the service will be made based on this season’s results. If the Antalya route proves successful, the Sármellék offering could be expanded in 2027 with additional destinations and/or increased capacity.
This is particularly noteworthy given that, in addition to supporting the airport’s operations in 2026, the government is already examining possibilities for developing new routes in 2027.
The HUF 1.2 billion in funding is therefore significant news, but the real achievement would be to use stable operations as a foundation for establishing new, sustainable international air connections at Sármellék.
The airport’s infrastructure is now in a considerably better position than it was a few years ago. A HUF 3 billion development project at Hévíz–Balaton Airport, completed by early 2026, included upgrades to the terminal, taxiway, airfield lighting and navigation system, as well as major repairs to the runway.
Together, funding for the airport’s operations, modernised infrastructure and market initiatives such as the Antalya route could create an opportunity for Sármellék to once again play a more significant role in the international tourism of Hévíz and the Western Balaton region.
The next task, therefore, is no longer simply to keep the airport operating. The real question is where passengers can be brought from, and how many visitors can be brought within easy reach of Hévíz.
Source: Turizmus.com
