New flights from Budapest Airport: Irish and UK carriers compete

Ryanair announced yesterday that from 26 October it will introduce a new service from Budapest Airport to Newcastle. The Irish low-cost airline’s flights to the northern English city are expected to appeal to travellers heading to the region for both business and leisure. Newcastle is renowned for its football club, striking cathedral, traditional ales, and a wealth of nearby attractions.

However, Ryanair will not have the route to itself. Jet2.com had already confirmed plans for its own Budapest–Newcastle connection, setting the stage for intensified competition which is likely to work in passengers’ favour.

Budapest to Newcastle: Two airlines, twice weekly

According to Budflyer, Ryanair will begin operating flights between Budapest and Newcastle on 26 October, with services running twice a week. The aviation-focused Facebook page also highlighted that Ryanair will face direct competition, as British budget carrier Jet2.com will be flying the same route.

Jet2.com’s service will commence slightly earlier, on 9 October, and continue until April next year. The airline already operates flights from Budapest to six UK destinations, including Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford. As reported in February at the time of its initial announcement, Jet2 noted rising demand for routes linking Hungary with the UK. Its Newcastle flights will also operate twice weekly.

Newcastle offers much to visitors: from its locally brewed beers and medieval cathedral to its celebrated football team, iconic Tyne Bridge, and the nearby Hadrian’s Wall, which can be explored on guided tours.

Travel days and fares

Jet2.com’s flights will run on Thursdays and Sundays from 9 October. Ryanair’s services, meanwhile, will operate on Sundays and Fridays, making both airlines convenient options for a long weekend trip to Newcastle. The same applies in reverse, with British travellers increasingly drawn to Budapest, a city whose popularity among UK tourists continues to grow.

According to Utazómajom, Ryanair’s one-way fares start at just over 12,000 forints (around USD 34), with a flight time of just under three hours.

On Fridays, flights will depart Newcastle at 18:05 local time, landing at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc Airport after 2 hours and 45 minutes. The return leg leaves Budapest at 22:15 Hungarian time and, after 2 hours and 55 minutes, touches down in Newcastle at 00:10 the following day, according to Airportal. On Sundays, the schedule is brought forward by 40 minutes.

Ideal for Hungarians working in the UK

According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, around 80,000 Hungarian citizens officially reside in Britain. However, the real figure is thought to be closer to 200,000, as the UK remains one of the most popular destinations for Hungarians seeking better job opportunities.

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