Szeged Airport (QZD/LHUD): Southern Hungary’s Essential General Aviation and Training Hub
Szeged Airport (IATA: QZD, ICAO: LHUD) is a strategically vital regional aerodrome located near the historical and cultural center of Szeged, Hungary’s third-largest city. Unlike larger commercial hubs, LHUD primarily serves as a bustling center for general aviation (GA), pilot training, air sports, and corporate/private flights in the Southern Great Plain region. It acts as a key gateway for non-scheduled European air traffic, offering flexible and essential services away from the congestion of major international airports.
Key Aerodrome Information and Technical Specifications
Located just minutes from the city centre, Szeged Airport’s infrastructure is perfectly suited for its role as a regional GA anchor point.
General Data
- Location: Approximately 5 km (3 NM) West of the Szeged City Center.
- Coordinates: 46°15′03″N 020°05′21″E.
- Elevation: 80 meters (262 ft) above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).
- Current Status: Fully operational for general aviation, specialized flights, air ambulance services, and flight schools. No scheduled commercial passenger traffic.
Runway and Navaid Details
The airport is equipped with two primary runways, catering to a range of aircraft from light trainers to medium-sized business jets:
- Runway 16R/34L (Paved): 1,186 meters x 30 meters (3,888 ft x 98 ft). This asphalt strip is equipped with Runway Edge Lighting and the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system on the 34L approach, facilitating night operations and flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
- Runway 16L/34R (Grass): 1,157 meters x 90 meters (3,796 ft x 295 ft). Dedicated primarily to gliding, air sports, and flight training activities.
Services for Pilots and Visitors
Szeged Airport provides the necessary infrastructure and services required for both domestic and international general aviation users.
Essential Aviation Services
- Fuel Services: Comprehensive refuelling is available, including AVGAS 100LL, JET A1 Kerosene, and MOGAS 95, ensuring support for various aircraft types.
- Air Traffic Services: AFIS (Aerodrome Flight Information Service) provides pilots with crucial meteorological details and information necessary for safe landing and takeoff within the operating hours.
- Maintenance & Parking: Technical staff are on duty during operational hours. The airport offers aircraft parking on a concrete apron, as well as tiedown and hangar storage options upon prior arrangement.
Border Control and Customs
As an occasional international entry point, border control is available with strict conditions:
- Customs & Immigration: Border control services (Schengen and non-Schengen) are available on request and require a mandatory 24 hours Prior Permission Required (PPR) notification, extending up to 72 hours for certain operations. Pilots must arrange this well in advance.
Passenger Amenities
The terminal is compact but functional, focusing on essential needs:
- Facilities: A small terminal building includes a year-round cafeteria, administrative offices, and reception/security services.
- Wi-Fi & Commercial: Due to its GA profile, the airport does not feature extensive retail, duty-free shopping, or public high-speed Wi-Fi, which are standard at major commercial airports.
Air Traffic Profile and Commercial Outlook
The airport’s focus is clear: to be the leading GA facility in the region.
- Scheduled Services: There are no scheduled commercial passenger flights currently operating from QZD. The airport is dedicated to private jet charters, corporate flights, aerial work, and the active local flying club and training schools.
- Regional Alternative: For passengers seeking extensive European commercial flight connections, the nearest major hub is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 170 km away.
Accessibility and Ground Transportation
Szeged Airport’s close proximity to the city ensures swift and convenient ground access.
- Taxi: A quick and efficient ride to the city center takes approximately 7 minutes, with an estimated fare in the range of 5–10 EUR.
- Public Bus: An affordable bus route connects the airport to the downtown area in roughly 10 minutes, with tickets priced around 1 EUR.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental agencies (such as Sixt and Hertz) are readily available in the city center of Szeged, easily reachable by taxi or bus.
- Parking: Ample on-site parking is available for visitors and pilots, generally free of charge.
- Rail Connection: The main Szeged train station is located approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) from the airport.
Discovering Szeged: Local Attractions
The airport’s location offers easy access to Szeged’s reputation as the “City of Sunshine” and a major cultural centre.
- Cultural Landmarks: Key attractions include the magnificent Dóm Square and its Votive Church (Szeged Cathedral), the historic Reök Palace, and the local markets.
- Culinary Heritage: The city is famous worldwide for its paprika, which can be explored at the Szeged Paprika Museum.
- Leisure & Wellness: Visitors can relax by the Tisza River or enjoy the therapeutic waters of the nearby Anna Thermal Baths.
Contact and Operational Information
For operational, landing, or administrative inquiries, please use the following verified contact details:
- Physical Address: 6728 Szeged, HUNGARY
- Aerodrome Office/Administration: Tel: (+36) 62-592-250
- AFIS/Operations (Pilot Info): Tel: (+36) 30-967-7064
- Official Website: www.airportszeged.hu