History - Airport-zalaegerszeg

History of the airport:

In Hatháza, Zalaegerszeg the former Soviet military facility today is known as Zalaegerszeg-Andráshida LHZA Airport.

In the ’50s Andráshida Airport operated as a Soviet radar base.
Between 1961-1967 it also functioned as a civil airport  operating scheduled flight service.
After the withdrawal of Soviet troops the Hungarian government provided for the air base , which was then assigned to the Municipal of Zalaegerszeg in 1988.

In 1999 the operational right was given to Zalaegerszeg Flying Club for 20 years.
Within four month the airport departure building,  established in 1953, was renewed inside and outside . Among others, it was given new windows and doors.

The air control was transferred to a suitable place, as well as,  new social blocks, guestrooms, spacious  community place were made.
The renewed departure building was assigned by Minister dr. Imre Boros and dr. Endre Gyimesi, the mayor of Zalaegerszeg.

Then the airport operated as a temporary landing place.


In 2001 the Municipality of Zalaegerszeg decided to develop a European standards appropriate airport, however, the development began only in 2005.

Landing facilities for small aircrafts were developed with the involvement of regional funding sources consuming 200 million forints.
The departure building, the taxiway, the full instrumental equipment of  the control tower were renewed as well as the whole aerodrome area was precincted.

Since 2006 Andráshida Airport has operated as a non-public airport providing for landing and take- off services for small domestic and foreign aircrafts.


Two companies – Be-Szi Ltd. And Gratis Travelling Ltd. applied for operating the renewed airport.
In 2007 the operational right was given to Be-Szi Top Ltd. which was denounced by the municipality in 2009 . For a transition period Gratis Ltd. was given the operational right until the end of the public procurement.

In Marc 2010 the new public procurement was won by Gratis Ltd.