Hungary is making extensive preparations for heightened security and transportation measures in anticipation of the UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. Nearly 4,000 police officers will be stationed in the capital, with expectations of 800 flight movements, 100,000 visiting fans, and increased public transport services to manage the event described as high-risk.
Authorities disclosed that PSG and Arsenal fans have secured over 17,000 tickets each for the final, with additional thousands of supporters projected to travel to Budapest without tickets. Security arrangements, initiated over a year ago, involve coordination between Hungarian police, London, and Paris authorities, with officers studying security protocols at previous Champions League matches.
Hungary’s deputy national police chief highlighted that this event will mark the largest single-day police deployment in the country’s history. To mitigate security threats, separate fan zones have been designated for the two clubs, complementing the official Champions Festival and fan zone near Heroes’ Square.
In anticipation of the influx of visitors, Budapest Airport foresees a surge in flight movements and passenger traffic, expecting around 2,000 flight movements and 250,000 passengers over the weekend, double the usual volume. The final match between Arsenal and PSG is scheduled to commence at Puskas Arena on Saturday at 18:00 CEST.
