Direct air links between Hungary and Canada have returned with the launch of Air Canada’s seasonal Budapest–Toronto service, a move welcomed by government officials, airport executives and diplomats as a major boost for tourism, business and family connections.
Direct flights resume between Budapest and Toronto
The route officially began operating on 6 June and will run until 24 October. Flights are scheduled four times a week initially, increasing to five weekly services during the peak summer months of July and August. The service marks the return of a direct connection between the two cities after Air Canada Rouge previously operated the route between 2016 and 2019.
Hungary’s State Secretary for Transport, Zsolt Tárkányi, described the new service as evidence that transport links between Hungary and North America have entered a new phase. He also noted that the recently launched direct Budapest–Philadelphia route operated by American Airlines further demonstrates the growing importance of North American connections for Hungary.
As Turizmus.com states, Air Canada is the country’s largest airline, the country’s national carrier, and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most extensive airline network. The company operates scheduled flights to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States, and across six continents worldwide. It has been awarded a four-star rating by Skytrax.
Growing demand for transatlantic travel
According to Budapest Airport, nearly 90,000 passengers travel annually between Hungary and Canada, suggesting strong demand for the route. The airport expects the convenient non-stop service to attract even more leisure travellers, business passengers, conference attendees and visitors travelling to see friends and relatives.
François Berisot, Chief Executive Officer of Budapest Airport, called the Toronto route one of the most eagerly anticipated new connections of the summer season. He emphasised that, beyond linking Hungary and Canada directly, the service provides access to a much wider network through Toronto.
“We are delighted to welcome Air Canada’s Budapest–Toronto flight, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated connections of this summer season by passengers, whether they are travelling for leisure or business,” said Berisot. “This connection is the second direct North American destination this summer, which will further strengthen the already extremely strong overseas interest in the Hungarian capital.”
Passengers arriving in Toronto can connect to more than 48 destinations across Canada and over 100 destinations throughout North America. The route also improves access to the Caribbean, Hawaii and several South American destinations.
Rocky Lo, managing director, international sales, Air Canada commented: “We are thrilled to be the only carrier offering a non-stop service between Budapest and Toronto, connecting families, tourists and businesses across the Atlantic with ease. This service will also allow Hungarian customers to connect onto Air Canada’s impressive global network, notably into the U.S, the Caribbean, Central and Latin America.”
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Benefits for tourism, business and the Hungarian diaspora as well
Canadian Ambassador François Lafrenière highlighted the significance of the new air link for the approximately 350,000-strong Hungarian diaspora in Canada. He said the service would make family visits easier while also encouraging tourism and business cooperation between the two countries.
Several speakers also pointed to potential benefits for Hungary’s tourism sector, particularly for Danube river cruises, which remain highly popular among overseas visitors. The flights are operated using Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. During the summer season, the airline will provide a total of 47,680 seats between Budapest and Toronto.
The relaunch of the route is seen as a symbolic milestone ahead of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, which led to one of the largest waves of Hungarian immigration to Canada in the country’s history.
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