Budapest aviation museum to host Night of Aviation with aircraft tours and engine demonstrations

Aeropark, the aviation museum located at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, will open its gates on Saturday for its annual Night of Aviation event, offering visitors an immersive look at aviation history, airport operations and the future of flight.

According to information released by the museum, the programme will combine aircraft exhibitions, live demonstrations, aviation career sessions and behind-the-scenes airport experiences. The event will also commemorate a significant milestone in Hungary’s aviation history by marking the 80th anniversary of the first scheduled Maszovlet flights to Debrecen and Szombathely.

Organisers said this year's edition will trace the evolution of Hungarian civil aviation over the past eight decades while giving visitors access to both historic and modern aviation technology.

Historic aviation takes centre stage

A key attraction of the evening will be Aeropark’s approximately 70-year-old Il-14 passenger aircraft, whose powerful radial engines will be started several times during the event.

Visitors can expect:

• Live demonstrations of the Il-14's 1,900-horsepower radial engines
• Operation of a jet engine display
• Access to illuminated aircraft cockpits
• Encounters with former pilots who operated classic airliners

The museum said guests will be able to meet pilots who previously flew aircraft including the Tu-134, Tu-154 and Il-18, providing first-hand insights into commercial aviation during earlier decades.

The event will also feature a nostalgic flight by the world's only airworthy Li-2 aircraft, departing from Budapest's historic Terminal 1.

Modern airport operations on display

Alongside vintage aviation exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to explore equipment currently used at Budapest Airport.

Featured vehicles include:

• A 40-tonne Panther airport firefighting vehicle
• A high-capacity airport snow blower
• An ambulift vehicle operated by the AMS Ambulance Service

The displays are intended to showcase the specialised infrastructure required to support modern airport operations and passenger services.

Aeropark said visitors will also be offered guided experiences highlighting operational areas of Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, providing a closer look at airport logistics and ground handling activities.

Aviation professionals to share industry insights

The event will bring together professionals from across the aviation sector, including:

• Pilots
• Cabin crew members
• Air traffic controllers
• Airport operations personnel

Panel discussions and stage presentations will focus on aviation careers, flight safety, changing passenger behaviour and the operational work involved in maintaining airline and airport services.

HungaroControl, Hungary's air navigation service provider, and pilot training organisations will also participate, introducing visitors to air traffic management and pilot training pathways.

Interactive sessions will examine airport security procedures, while demonstrations will include presentations of airport sniffer dogs and their role in aviation safety.

Celebrating eight decades of civil aviation

The anniversary theme reflects the importance of Maszovlet, the Hungarian-Soviet Civil Air Transport Joint Stock Company, which launched scheduled services connecting Budapest with Debrecen and Szombathely in 1946.

By revisiting this period, organisers aim to highlight how Hungary's civil aviation sector has developed from post-war domestic operations into a modern aviation network connected to international markets.

The programme will combine historical storytelling with contemporary aviation technology, offering visitors a broad perspective on the industry's transformation.

A night dedicated to aviation enthusiasts

Beyond technical demonstrations and professional discussions, the event will feature sightseeing flights, airport tours and live entertainment.

Music performances will be provided by the Finance Guard Band and singer Lilla Vincze with her band.

The popular Budapest-Budapest flights, which allow passengers to experience a flight departing from and returning to the Hungarian capital, will also return as part of the programme.

As airports and airlines continue to invest in new technologies and operational capabilities, Aeropark's Night of Aviation offers a rare opportunity to connect aviation history with the industry's future, while giving visitors direct access to aircraft, equipment and professionals who keep air transport moving every day.