Airports today are not only about flying – modern terminals also serve as shopping malls, dining halls, business centers, and more. With the 2011 debut of the gleaming new SkyCourt in Budapest Airport’s departure area, the entire flight facility is now a glamorous retail hub... which also happens to offer faster and more convenient passenger service. Whether you would like to indulge at luxury boutiques and fancy restaurants or switch off before takeoff with a relaxing massage or drink, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time at Ferenc Liszt International.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (formerly Ferihegy International Airport), and the growing global esteem for this modern facility is reflected in its recent designation as Eastern Europe’s Best Airport by the UK-based Skytrax Aviation Research Company in both 2014 and in 2015. Thanks to its recent improvement in quality and services, the Budapest Airport registered an all-time passenger record in 2014, serving close to 9.2 million jet-setters from around the world, and offering an ever-growing range of services for business and leisure.Shopping

After passing through the security gates, every passenger walks straight into Heinemann’sduty-free store, where gift hunters can pick up last-minute local souvenirs like tins of gourmet goose liver, a stick of Pick salami, or fine Hungarian wines – all offered alongside the usual cosmetics, cartons of cigarettes, and boxes of candy. Continuing past this duty-free emporium, shoppers will find even more Magyar-made delicacies from the Hungaricum Wine & Fine Food shop, while some distinctly Hungarian retailers operate independent booths within the SkyCourt, such as the historic Herend Porcelain Manufactory and the Szamos Marcipanconfectionary; Austria’s FREY WILLE also offers their finely crafted enamel jewelry here.

SkyCourt’s international retail outlets include Ralph Lauren, a Virgin store, and a Relay book and magazine shop.Dining and drinking

Whether you only have time for a quick drink or want to savor a full meal, the SkyCourt has passengers covered. Pick up a latte from Costa Coffee or check out the caffeine-infused hot drinks at Ne’o, while health-conscious jet-setters can opt for a nourishing smoothie from Dr. Juice. If the on-board meal seems to be miles away, hungry passengers can indulge in pre-flight gastronomy with the SkyCourt’s tempting array of local and global cuisine. Pick up Italian pasta from Negroni, enjoy Asian delicacies at Yum Cha, or treat yourself to classic Hungarian gastronomy from the airport branch of Budapest’s historic Gundel Restaurant. For a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a cocktail served with a heavenly panorama over the runway, head up to The Terrace Bar on top of Terminal 2A.Business services and lounges

Catering to the nonstop pace of 21st-century business, the Budapest Airport features plentiful pre-flight services tailored to the needs of time-pressed passengers. Frequent flyers and business travelers can take advantage of varied lounges that offer in-house business facilities, along with a variety of complimentary snacks and drinks. For high-stakes negotiations, businesspeople can rent the in-house meeting rooms found around the airport. The exclusive CELEBI Platinum Lounges offer well-equipped business facilities and assorted VIP services from 40 euros per person. Travelers can also access the SkyCourt Lounge with all-inclusive business and leisure services, while passengers with a personal Premium MasterCard can chill at the MasterCard Lounge on the SkyCourt mezzanine (note that if your Premium MasterCard was issued outside of Hungary, there is a 3,000-forints-per-person charge to enter this lounge). Otherwise, two hours of complimentary Wi-Fi and numerous electrical sockets are available throughout the airport, while the SkyCourt is also home to several ATMs and foreign-currency exchange counters – but note that exchange rates at the airport are far from the best deals in town.Relaxation and wellness

Weary globetrotters can enjoy a relaxing Thai massage at Lian Day Spa, offering soothing treatments in a secluded environment on the SkyCourt mezzanine. If departure time is approaching fast, just ask for a ten-minute speedy massage for immediate refreshment. Before you head skywards, let your hair down and stop by the José Eber salon for a pre-flight dry-styling treatment near the escalators by Terminal 2A. Meanwhile, anyone looking for a peaceful place can visit the chapel at Terminal 2B on the mezzanine level, just above the baggage drop-off. The Room of Silence is open to travelers of all religious beliefs who want to say a prayer, collect their thoughts, or simply spend some quiet moments away from the buzzing crowds.