Introduction
As a kid during the Cold War I pored over any aeroplane book that I could get my hands on. Soviet aircraft had cool NATO code-names like “Foxbat” and were not something you were going to see flying overhead in the UK skies (at least, we hoped not!).
Fast forward nearly fifty years, and you can now hop over easily to Budapest – the capital of former communist Hungary – and see some of the former Eastern Bloc’s finest in this cracking little collection, just a stone’s throw from the airport.
A Hidden Gem in Budapest
Just a few minutes walk from the Budapest airport terminal lies this hidden gem. I highly recommend turning up to the airport a couple of hours early before you hop on your plane home. Take out a locker for your luggage and walk down to the glorious Aeropark Aviation Museum to check out this wonderful collection of vintage aircraft. Whether you’re into aeroplanes or not, this lovely little Cold War collection of airliners and helicopters (and one extremely cool fighter jet!) will delight you, and if you have kids they will love it!
Approaching the Aeropark on foot, my pulse rate quickened a little as I suddenly saw blue and white tail fins loom into view. A mere 3000 Hungarian Forints (less than £7) later, and I was inside the fence, staring up at imposing looking aircraft made by Ilyushin and Tupolev. A cloud of dust was thrown into the air as an old airport fire engine roared around the enclosure giving pleasure rides to delighted children.
Access All Areas
These were all planes I had never seen before in the flesh, and I hardly knew where to start! Almost every one of the old airliners had a set of steps leading to the cabins, which were open for access. Many of them also had the cockpits open to allow you to sit in the pilot’s seat.
Most of these were former workhorses of the national carrier Malev, with attractive blue, white, and silver liveries. My favourite by far was the sleek looking Tupolev Tu-134, which was so beautiful I could overlook its NATO codename of er, “Crusty”!
There were also some interesting four wheeled exhibits. The aforementioned fire engine was a real crowd pleaser for the kids. There was a stretched Volvo 240 estate, and of course a couple of boxy old Ladas on display too.
Among the fabulous old airliners with their evocative interiors and cockpits was nestled a more dangerous looking beast. Looking extremely menacing with it’s sharp edges and angles, was an old MiG-21 fighter!
Conclusion
This big kid spent a fantastic couple of hours at Aeropark, and highly recommends it. If you are travelling with your children, they will love this engaging little attraction too. Add this excursion to your Budapest wish list, it could turn out to be one of your favourite moments!
