Debrecen International Airport

Debrecen International Airport is the most significant international airport in Eastern Hungary and the second busiest in the country after Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Passenger traffic is increasing year by year, driven by the city’s growing economic strength. As a key driver of tourism in the region, the airport’s expansion has become essential. The municipality’s goal is to create a high-quality international airport with a distinctive identity that is safe, efficient, and capable of handling an estimated three million passengers annually. The architectural competition called for the design of a new terminal building and its surroundings, as well as a new runway, aircraft stands and hangars.

In accordance with the competition brief, the new terminal building is placed independently from the existing structure. For efficiency and economy, the building is organized on two levels: a ground floor and a mezzanine gallery. The floorplan follows an irregular obtuse-angled triangular shape. The entrance and main hall are located at the obtuse angle, while the gates and airside waiting areas are placed along the longest side, where a two-story glass façade provides visual connection to the aircraft stands. Passenger service areas – including check-in, security and passport control, waiting lounges, shops, arrivals hall, baggage claim, and their supporting back-of-house functions – are all located on the ground floor. The gallery level houses the business lounge, offices, meeting rooms, staff facilities, and other operational areas.

The building features a light and transparent steel-and-glass structure, braced by two internal reinforced concrete cores and diagonal steel bracing elements on the façades, ensuring full visual permeability. With layered flooring and ceilings that allow for natural ventilation, the reuse of residual heat from the HVAC system, and effective shading on glass surfaces, the building is designed to significantly reduce energy consumption.