Hungarian government acquisition of Budapest Airport is imminent; VINCI joins the fray, possibly QIA

The almost two decades long saga of the Hungarian political party Fidesz's attempts to renationalise Budapest Airport (BUD), the jewel in the country's logistics and tourism crown, seems to be coming to an end.

Government sources are talking about the deal taking days, although weeks - if not months - are more likely as Hungary seeks to balance its books and reduce a crippling deficit.

It will not be a full nationalisation, as at least one private sector participant (VINCI) looks set to be involved along, possibly, with The Qatar Investment Authority, although the latter's participation remains questionable.

For VINCI it would mean a reduced degree of influence compared to what it is used to.

The loser is AviAlliance, the operator and main investor since 2005, which might be excused for asking "what did we do wrong?"

One thing is for sure: other countries in the region which have seen their airports privatised during the last 20 years will be looking to see if Hungary can fashion a new model which might better suit their circumstances amid a changing political landscape.