The atmosphere is tense in Ferihegy: a strike is threatened before the summer summit

According to Pénzcentrum, despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no agreement has been reached. While Budapest Airport has offered a 4% salary increase, unions are demanding a raise of at least 10%, additional benefits, and measures to reduce increasing psychosocial stress. Workers argue that the system has long been overloaded: decreasing real wages, high workloads, and extensive overtime have become the norm.

The airport operator claims that wages have risen significantly in recent years, that their benefits package is competitive, and that the company is fully prepared for the summer peak.

Disputes go beyond wages, extending to the right to strike and minimum service levels. Trade unions argue that the company’s definition of “minimum service” — essentially full operational capacity — would undermine the effectiveness of any strike. They insist that the right to strike must include visible impacts to function as a real pressure tool.

The situation is especially tense given that record-breaking traffic is expected across Europe this summer. According to Eurocontrol, up to 37,000 flights per day could occur in European airspace. Meanwhile, delays in new aircraft deliveries and a shortage of parts are already straining infrastructure.

Budapest Airport is preparing with 76 check-in counters and only 20 security lanes, while daily passenger numbers may exceed 40,000. A strike under these conditions could cause severe disruptions. Stakes are high — but so far, neither side is backing down.