A Hungarian travel agency has effectively collapsed after its operating licence was withdrawn, leaving potentially hundreds of customers uncertain about refunds and compensation. The number of affected travellers may already exceed 400.

Travel Teachers Kft. informed customers by email that the Budapest Government Office revoked the company’s travel organiser licence with effect from 30 April 2026, meaning the travel agency could no longer legally continue organising trips after that date.

The company’s managing director and owner explained that one of the key reasons behind the crisis was the loss of the firm’s professional manager from 24 March 2026, a mandatory requirement for operating as a travel organiser in Hungary. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, the company said it was unable to meet the legal conditions needed to continue operations.

At the same time, the agency reportedly experienced significant growth in turnover, which required an increase in the legally mandated financial security deposit, Utazómajom writes. According to the company, insurers imposed additional financial conditions that it could no longer realistically fulfil.

Flights and accommodation already paid for

Travel Teachers claimed that many upcoming trips had already been prepared in advance. In several cases, airline tickets had already been purchased, accommodation booked and paid for, and partner companies compensated to ensure trips could proceed at the expected standard.

However, the company argued that negative discussions and panic spreading rapidly on social media and online platforms triggered a severe loss of trust among customers. According to the statement, this resulted in a wave of simultaneous refund requests that placed extraordinary pressure on the firm’s liquidity.

The travel agency’s website is currently under maintenance.

Compensation process is unclear

The situation surrounding compensation is highly uncertain.

Travel Teachers stated that all documentation related to travel contracts and customer payments would be handed over to the authorities, which could then forward the material to the Európai Utazási Biztosító Zrt. (EUB).

However, EUB announced on its website that the Budapest Government Office had not authorised the insurer to begin reimbursements. As a result, the insurer stated that no compensation obligation currently exists and advised customers to contact the travel agency directly regarding claims.

Meanwhile, the Budapest Government Office reportedly confirmed to affected customers that, as of 14 May at 1:32 PM, it had not received any official notification from the company’s managing director regarding insolvency or inability to repay travellers.

According to information shared by one affected customer, the authorities stated they currently have no evidence suggesting that Travel Teachers is unable to refund advances and participation fees for trips that can no longer legally take place. Consequently, neither the insurer’s compensation role nor direct government intervention has officially been triggered at this stage.

Facebook groups for affected travellers grow rapidly

Frustrated customers have already begun organising online. One Facebook group created for affected travellers has 354 members at 4 PM on 15 May, while another private group has 120 participants.

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