New regular flights to connect Mediterranean paradise with Hungarian and German cities

Regular flights will connect a Mediterranean summer paradise island with a South Hungarian and a South German city.

According to pecsma.hu, Universal Air, a Maltese airline, is to launch new flights connecting Malta with Pécs, South Hungary, and Munich, South Germany this March. Ticket bookings are set to start shortly, according to the local media outlet. This marks a significant development for Pécs, as it has been 15 years since regular flights connected the city to other destinations. Additionally, plans are in motion to establish a new route to Corfu, Greece, for the summer season.

The first flight, carrying 78 passengers who are all employees of the Maltese airline, touched down in Pécs yesterday morning. This milestone flight signifies the beginning of seamless travel between the idyllic Mediterranean island, steeped in history and bathed in perpetual sunshine, and the charming city of southern Hungary.

Scheduled services will commence on 26th March from Pécs airport, with a travel time of 2 hours and 20 minutes to Malta and 1 hour and 20 minutes to Munich. The announcement of these new routes was made during a press conference held at Pécs-Pogány Airport.

Pécs was a pioneer of modern air travelling

Pécs, a historic city, has a rich aviation legacy, having pioneered modern air travel in Hungary. Attila Péterffy, the mayor of Pécs, highlighted that the last charter flight from Pécs departed 12 years ago, while the last regular flight departed 16 years ago. Pécs was also the site of Hungary’s first domestic flight to Budapest in 1930.

The mayor expressed his satisfaction with the conclusion of lengthy negotiations with Universal Air, emphasising that local businesses and the university were consulted to gauge air travel needs.

Acknowledging Munich’s status as an international air hub, Mayor Péterffy underscored its importance in facilitating travel for locals to destinations worldwide. He noted that a significant portion of tourists visiting Pécs hail from southern Germany, with many German students enrolled at the local university.

According to the mayor, Tüke Busz will carry the passengers between the city and the airport.

Simon Cook, CEO of Universal Air, hailed Pécs as a hidden gem and pledged to promote it vigorously among passengers. He revealed plans for a new flight route between Pécs and Corfu, with an announcement expected in May.

Favourable luggage rules on new Pécs flights

Under the new flight arrangements, passengers will have a choice between economy and business class tickets, with a luggage allowance of 15 kg plus a handbag included in the fare. Online check-in will be available, and passengers can enjoy free parking in Malta.

Mr Cook also revealed their plan to launch a new flight between Pécs and Corfu, which is scheduled for May.

Márk Dragovácz, CEO of the company operating Pécs-Pogány Airport, expressed optimism about the partnership with Universal Air, emphasising their shared commitment to expanding flight options.

The local government of Pécs will invest approximately HUF 70 million (EUR 180,500) to develop the airport and expand its crew. The local government of Pécs is investing approximately HUF 70 million (EUR 180,500) to enhance airport facilities and bolster the airport’s workforce. Reopening the airport was a key campaign promise of the incumbent mayor, eagerly awaited by the business, university, and tourism sectors.

While MPs of Fidesz have attempted to claim credit for the success, citing government assistance, local media reports indicate minimal involvement from the foreign ministry in achieving this milestone.

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