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Ryanair takes on Wizz Air on popular Croatian route with new summer flights from Budapest!
Travellers heading from Budapest to Croatia’s Adriatic coast will soon have more choice (and likely lower fares) as Ryanair enters direct competition with Wizz Air on the increasingly popular Budapest–Dubrovnik route this summer.
The Irish low-cost carrier has announced a seasonal service between Hungary’s capital and the historic Dalmatian resort city, operating from 2 June until 29 September, AIRportal.hu reports.
Three weekly flights through the summer
During the peak summer season, Ryanair will run the route three times a week, with flights scheduled on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. From September, frequencies will be reduced to twice weekly.
The move places Ryanair head-to-head with Hungarian rival Wizz Air, which only recently unveiled its own Dubrovnik connection.
Wizz Air already in the race
Wizz Air’s service launches slightly later, on 8 June, and will also operate three times per week, flying on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport.
The early-morning departures are designed to allow holidaymakers to arrive at the coast with most of the day still ahead of them. Tickets start from HUF 11,990 (EUR 32), according to the airline.
With both carriers operating simultaneously, passengers will have access to up to six direct flights per week between Budapest and Dubrovnik during the height of summer.
Growing competition in the region
The rivalry shows intense competition between Central Europe’s two largest budget airlines. Ryanair has recently begun overlapping with several Wizz Air routes, including connections between Gdansk and Dubrovnik, while both carriers have previously launched competing services on other city pairs such as Budapest–Kraków.
For Ryanair, Dubrovnik becomes its second Croatian destination from Budapest in the 2026 summer timetable, following Zadar.
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Good news for holidaymakers
The increased capacity is likely to benefit travellers most, with more flexible schedules and the potential for lower fares as the airlines compete for passengers.
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most sought-after destinations, famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, beaches and Mediterranean climate, making it a favourite among Hungarian tourists each summer. With twice as many flights now on offer, a quick seaside escape from Budapest is about to become easier than ever!