Budapest Airport ends free 5‑minute taxi parking, drivers protest

Budapest Airport taxi parking fee 5‑minute free passage taxi association protest August 2026

From 3 August 2026 the operator of Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport will discontinue the 5‑minute free‑passage privilege that Budapest‑registered taxis have enjoyed in airport parking areas, including the premium lot serving Terminal 2. The airport says the move follows a practice adopted by many international airports and is intended to make infrastructure‑use costs transparent and equitable. It stresses that the change will not create additional costs for taxi drivers because the fee will apply uniformly to all passenger‑transport services that use the designated zone.

The Budapest Taxi Association objects, arguing that the loss of the free passage will force passengers to bear parking fees and significantly degrade passenger experience. The association has asked the government to suspend the change until the necessary legal, regulatory and technical adjustments are in place, warning of a potential drop in service quality.

Entities: Budapest Airport Zrt. · Fővárosi Taxi Egyesület

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The taxi association has asked the government to postpone the rule change until legal and technical adjustments are made. (taxi association request)
[● 2 SOURCES] From 3 August 2026 Budapest Airport will discontinue the 5‑minute free‑passage privilege for taxis in its parking zones, including the premium lot at Terminal 2. (airport policy change)
[● 2 SOURCES] The airport states the policy aligns with practices at many international airports and aims to make infrastructure‑use costs transparent and equitable. (airport explanation)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The airport says a uniform fee will apply to all passenger‑transport services using the designated area. (airport statement)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The change applies specifically to taxis registered in Budapest, which previously enjoyed an exemption from parking fees. (airport announcement)
[● 2 SOURCES] The Budapest Taxi Association claims the loss of free passage will force passengers to pay parking fees and reduce service quality. (taxi association complaint)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Budapest Airport says the new rule will not create extra costs for taxi drivers. (airport statement)