The Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG provides an economic boost for Budapest.

On May 30, Budapest will be the center of European football when Hungary's capital hosts the 2026 Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG.

This marks the first time in Hungary's history that it has been granted the right to organize a Champions League final, an event expected not only to generate a passionate football atmosphere but also to provide a significant stimulus to the economy, tourism, and services of the city on the Danube.

The 2025-2026 season marks the 71st edition of Europe's premier club competition, and the 34th since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup to the UEFA Champions League. The match will take place at Puskás Aréna, a modern stadium with a capacity of around 67,000. Kickoff is set for 23:00 (Hanoi time).

UEFA officially announced Budapest as the host city for the final on May 22, 2024. In March 2026, organizers further heightened the excitement by confirming that the famous American indie rock band The Killers will perform during the opening ceremony.

The pre-match atmosphere is heating up day by day. Arsenal and PSG fans have been allocated 17,200 tickets each, alongside nearly 5,000 tickets for neutral spectators. However, the actual number of people flooding into Budapest is expected to be much higher, as thousands of supporters will travel to Hungary even without match tickets, simply to immerse themselves in the final-night ambiance.

Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport says it has been preparing for nearly a year for what is considered the busiest weekend in its operational history. Forecasts suggest daily passenger numbers will exceed 100,000, nearly double the usual average of 50,000–55,000.

"Besides the two teams, tens of thousands of fans and guests will arrive in Budapest via both commercial and private flights for this highly anticipated global event," an airport representative stated.

In addition to operating at full normal capacity, the airport must also handle a large number of private jets, charter flights, and thousands of special movements over the three peak days.

Airport management emphasized that this task requires "exceptional coordination among all relevant agencies, businesses, and authorities." Preparations began last summer.

A dedicated coordination group has been formed, involving UEFA, the Hungarian National Event Management Agency, airport police, Hungarian air traffic control, customs, civil aviation, as well as public transport and taxi operators.

To give absolute priority to the football crowd, the airport has suspended many cargo operations, training flights, and limited its role as a backup airport. Notably, Terminal 1 will reopen as a full terminal for three days—May 29, 30, and 31—handling all Wizz Air flights between Budapest and London.

According to statistics, flight numbers during this period will double compared to normal days. Over the weekend alone, the airport expects to serve nearly 800 flights per day. The busiest routes are Budapest–London and Budapest–Paris.

Airlines have also significantly increased their capacity. Wizz Air has added eight flights from Luton and Gatwick on May 29 and four on match day. easyJet has added over 750 seats in each direction, while Ryanair has also increased capacity. Qatar Airways and Air France are deploying wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER.

This year's final also draws special attention from England and France. The British Ambassador to Hungary, Justin McKenzie Smith, shared: "It's fantastic that Budapest is hosting the Champions League final for the first time. With Arsenal facing PSG, interest from both the British and French is obviously huge."

He stated that the British consular section will be on standby 24/7 throughout the event to assist UK citizens. Fans are also advised to check their documents, insurance, and UEFA guidelines before traveling.

Arsenal receives special attention because the North London club has a chance to write a new chapter in European competition. Meanwhile, PSG enters the match as defending champions and continues to assert their ambition to dominate continental football.

Champions League long-term sponsor Heineken has also launched a series of large-scale campaigns. Heineken Hungary's CEO, Nikos Zois, called this "a once-in-a-generation moment" for Hungary.

"Football has a special power to connect people. As a long-standing partner of the Champions League, we are very proud to be part of the final right here in Budapest."

Heineken has transformed several central areas into meeting points for football fans, featuring a Champions League trophy experience, community events, and a special packaging campaign inspired by the Budapest final.

The company is also running the biggest promotional program in its history in Hungary, offering 100 final tickets to consumers.

The hotel sector in Budapest is also at its peak. The President of the Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Zoltán Somlyai, confirmed that the city is nearly fully booked.

"Since Budapest was announced as the host venue, every hotel from budget to luxury has been trying to maximize revenue during this period. The city will definitely be full."

According to him, hotels are adjusting prices daily and trying to keep guests for two or three nights. High-end restaurants have also been fully booked well in advance for sponsor parties and VIP guests.

The Champions League atmosphere had already flooded central Budapest from May 16. More than 600 people gathered at Erzsébet tér to take part in a giant foosball tournament organized by Heineken. Despite heavy rain for most of the time, the atmosphere was extremely lively.

Besides the tournament, participants could also take photos with the UEFA Champions League trophy, meet world champion foosball players, and try various skill challenges.

Heineken Hungary's marketing director, Katalin Perényi, said: "The slogan 'football lovers have more friends' really came true that day. The most important thing is that many people arrived as strangers but left as friends."

As kickoff time at Puskás Aréna approaches, Budapest is ready for an unprecedented football celebration in the city's history, where emotion, passion, and the heat of the battle between Arsenal and PSG promise to turn the Hungarian capital into the heart of European football.