Budapest’s public transport operator, BKK, will increase the frequency of its airport shuttle services during the holiday season to accommodate higher passenger demand. The enhanced schedule will be in effect from 16 December to 5 January.
Photo: BKK
To manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the year-end holidays, BKK will run the 100E Airport Express more frequently, the company announced on Thursday. From 16 December to 5 January, buses will depart every 7–8 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays during morning and afternoon peak times. On busier travel days—Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays—buses will operate every 6–7 minutes between the city centre and Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport.
Additionally, starting 1 December, the 200E bus connecting Kőbánya-Kispest and the airport will run every 10 minutes on Sundays and holidays during early morning hours, replacing the current 10–20-minute intervals.
As a premium public bus service, the 100E Airport Express always provides a predictable, reliable and fast direct connection between Liszt Ferenc Airport and Budapest city centre, which makes it a perfect choice for travellers who wish to get to Budapest Airport easily.
An Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Budapest caused a temporary runway closure at Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) on Thursday afternoon. The Airbus A320-200 came to a stop on runway 13R after landing, requiring towing assistance to clear the area. Foggy and humid weather conditions added to the operational challenges during the incident.
According to AIRportal.hu, an Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Budapest faced an unexpected complication upon landing at Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) on Thursday afternoon. The Airbus A320-200 landed on runway 13R around 2:15 PM but was unable to clear the safety zone.
The aircraft came to a halt near the southeastern end of the runway while attempting to turn onto taxiway A2. Pilots quickly notified air traffic control, reporting that the plane could not continue without towing assistance.
This prompted the temporary closure of the runway until the Airbus was removed. The towing process was completed shortly after 3 PM, allowing normal operations to resume.
Foggy, humid weather with light drizzle added to the challenges at the airport during the incident.
UPDATE – Budapest Airport statement
Please read Budapest Airport’s statement below, which we’re publishing without changes:
“Aegean Airlines flight A3 876 (call sign AEE8YD) from Athens to Budapest detected a brake failure during taxiing after landing and stopped at the junction of runway I and the taxiway due to following a non-optimal taxi path. The competent airport services responded to the scene, inspected the landing gear and the runway, and then towed the aircraft to a stand. No injuries were reported and the aircraft will be inspected after the passengers have been disembarked.
Runway I was closed during the towing, and reopened at 15:10. The airline will send a relief flight for the passengers travelling to Athens at 17:40. For further information, please contact the responsible airline.
At the time of the incident, runway II and traffic at the airport were operating smoothly and there were no delays.”
Hungary and China are set to negotiate modifications to their aviation cooperation agreement, aiming to expand the number of flights between the two nations beyond the current 21 per week. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, during his visit to Beijing, highlighted the growing tourist exchange and significant Chinese investments in Hungary as drivers for enhancing air connectivity. The proposed changes could include new routes and increased flight frequencies, strengthening both passenger and cargo traffic.
Hungary has announced plans to begin talks with China to revise their aviation cooperation agreement, seeking to boost the number of flights between Budapest and major Chinese cities, AIRportal.hu reports. According to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, this development aligns with the increasing tourist traffic and substantial Chinese investments in Hungary, which currently amount to over HUF 4,000 billion (EUR 9.66 billion).
At present, there are 21 weekly passenger flights operated by several Chinese airlines connecting Budapest to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Cargo traffic is equally robust, with major Chinese carriers like Air China Cargo, China Eastern Cargo Airlines, and China Southern Cargo facilitating regular freight services. Additional charter and cargo flights are also operated by other Chinese airlines, as well as Uzbek and Georgian carriers.
The proposed revisions to the aviation agreement could allow for new routes to be opened and flight frequencies to be increased.
Discussions are already underway for direct connections between Budapest and Chengdu via Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen via Xiamen Airlines.
This move follows an agreement made last year, which raised the cap on weekly flights between the two countries from 21 to 42, encompassing both passenger and cargo operations. With tourism already surpassing pre-pandemic levels, this initiative aims to meet growing demand while fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between Hungary and China.
Budapest Airport is constantly working on improving security. With cutting-edge measures like body cameras for ground handlers and a near-total surveillance network, the airport is addressing rising crime trends, from theft in duty-free shops to smuggling, while ensuring a safer travel experience.
Thefts at Budapest Airport
As Infostart reports, Budapest Airport, serving 15-16 million passengers annually and managing around 200,000 tonnes of cargo, requires a robust security and cleaning presence to ensure smooth operations. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Balázs Bráda, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation at the Airport Police Directorate (RRI), the team handles 500-600 criminal cases each year, primarily theft and property crimes. While baggage theft was previously a major concern, theft from duty-free shops in transit areas is now on the rise. Recent initiatives, including the introduction of body cameras, aim to address these challenges and high-profile incidents such as the mysterious case of stolen gold bars. Balázs Bráda added:
There are now travelling criminals: they buy the cheapest airline tickets and visit up to two or three airports in a day to “loot” duty-free shops.
Photo: facebook.com/budapestairport
Combating crime with cameras
Budapest Airport has established itself as a leader in airport security through innovative measures and advanced surveillance systems. With 90-95% of its premises monitored by 1,000-1,500 cameras, the airport boasts a near-perfect detection rate. Common theft targets, such as perfumes and sunglasses, often result in damages of up to HUF 1.5 million (EUR 3,646). To tackle baggage theft, Budapest Airport implemented a pioneering initiative requiring ground handlers to wear body cameras, a first among international airports. This system, operational since February, has significantly enhanced security. In 2024, only eight luggage search cases were reported, with surveillance clearing five incidents and identifying suspects in the remaining three.
Other forms of crime
Beyond theft, the airport faces offences linked to illegal migration, such as document forgery and human smuggling, though Budapest Airport’s skilled passport control has deterred such attempts. Other common issues include hooliganism, often involving intoxicated tourists, and drug-related crimes ranging from festival-goers inadvertently carrying substances to deliberate smuggling. Additionally, unauthorised attempts to breach security zones have been effectively thwarted by vigilant armed guards.
The story of the missing gold bars
Budapest Airport recently highlighted a significant success in solving a high-profile theft case involving missing cash and gold bars reported by a Chinese passenger. Initially met with scepticism, X-rays confirmed the valuables had been in the luggage. Through extensive data collection and investigation, the stolen gold bars were recovered, and the perpetrators were identified. The theft occurred in the aircraft’s luggage compartment before the implementation of body cameras.
GreenGo, the popular car-sharing service, has launched a new dedicated parking zone at Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport), near Terminal 2 in the Holiday Parking area. This expansion complements their existing service, where travellers can park at the nearby Airport Hotel parking lot and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
Get to Budapest Airport with GreenGo!
The new parking zone, designed for 15 GreenGo vehicles, responds to the growing demand for cost-effective and flexible transportation options to the airport, Economx writes. According to the company, their airport services have seen a 25-30% annual increase in users, signalling a strong preference for car-sharing solutions.
Photo: PrtScr/FB/Greengo
Despite reporting losses of HUF 327.91 million (EUR 800,000) in 2023, GreenGo’s revenue grew significantly, reaching HUF 1.51 billion (EUR 3.7 million), up from HUF 985.63 million (EUR 2.4 million) in 2022. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of the service, especially for airport commutes.
Prices and availability
According to BDPST24, the process for starting and ending a rental in the GreenGo Airport Terminal Zone at the Holiday Parking remains the same as the usual service. However, additional fees apply on top of the regular package rates:
For departure to the airport:
Green Premium package: HUF 2,490 (EUR 6.1)
Other packages: HUF 3,190 (EUR 7.8)
For departure from the airport:
Green Premium package: HUF 990 (EUR 2.4)
Other packages: HUF 1,680 (EUR 4.1)
These charges apply when renting a vehicle at the airport parking zone.
Budapest Airport has emerged as the primary distribution hub for e-commerce products in Central Europe following the coronavirus pandemic. An overwhelming 95% of e-commerce goods arriving at the airport originate from China, with the bulk destined for export to other countries in the region.
According to 24.hu, the surge in Chinese parcels at Budapest Airport is creating logistical challenges. Handling these deliveries has proven to be a complex task. The outlet reported that Budapest Airport has become the largest distribution centre in Central Europe for deliveries from the Far East.
The main players in this market are Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, with only a small proportion of their parcels remaining in Hungary. Approximately 95% of the goods are redirected to other countries in the region, including Austria, Slovakia, and the Western Balkans. Notably, Poland and Romania are less reliant on Budapest for distribution, as companies like Temu have already established local centres in those countries.
Photo: FB/Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport: A strategic hub
In 2023, Budapest Airport handled 200,000 tonnes of cargo—a 50% increase compared to 2019. This is particularly striking when contrasted with the global air cargo volume, which showed no growth during the same period, according to Kam Jandu, the former CEO of Budapest Airport.
These figures underscore the Hungarian government’s strategic ambition to position Budapest Airport as one of Europe’s leading logistics hubs while simultaneously boosting tourist numbers.
Western European airports, such as those in Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, traditionally act as gateways for air cargo. However, Budapest’s central geographical location offers a strategic advantage by serving the Balkan and Central European regions directly, avoiding the need for road transport from Western Europe. The airport’s management and Hungarian authorities, including the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), have contributed significantly to this success through infrastructure development, digitalisation, and improved transport links.
Strengthening Sino-Hungarian relations
Hungary’s National Economy Minister, Márton Nagy, recently held discussions with senior executives of prominent Chinese companies during a visit to China. These companies are leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, battery technology, and intelligent border-crossing solutions. The minister’s itinerary included Huawei headquarters, where he explored AI applications, and visits to Shenzhen’s Futian District to view smart city solutions. He also examined advanced battery development and recycling technologies at CATL, Brunp, and Sunwoda, which could provide a template for Hungary’s sustainable industrial initiatives. Mr Nagy also had the chance to check out at the latest digital solutions at ZTE’s HQ.
Talks with Nuctechfocused on enhancing security technologies at Hungary’s rail and road border crossings and international airports. Hungary is already the leading destination for Chinese investment in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, Chinese companies committed over €7.6 billion to the country, with major investments in the automotive, logistics, and high-tech sectors.
Companies such as CATL, SEMCORP, and BYD have announced “giga investments” that are expected to significantly boost Hungary’s GDP from 2025. “Hungarian-Chinese ties are of strategic importance not only in the economic sphere but also in technology and culture, offering mutual benefits for both nations,” Nagy stated. He emphasised the need to further strengthen this partnership and explore new areas of collaboration. By deepening these ties, Hungary aims to solidify its position as a bridge for capital, technological expertise, and innovation between East and West.
Read also:
Ryanair launches new flight between Budapest and stunning Spanish region near Valencia – read more HERE
Ryanair is set to launch a new route between Budapest and Castellón, Spain, starting in March 2025. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Sundays, providing a convenient schedule for travellers heading to the beautiful Valencian region. The flights will be serviced by Ryanair Buzz’s Boeing 737 aircraft.
Starting 30 March 2025, Ryanair will operate two weekly flights between Budapest and Castellón, a charming city located near Valencia in Spain, AIRportal.hu reports. The flights will run on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering a convenient schedule for travellers planning a five-day trip.
The Wednesday flights will depart Budapest early in the morning (5:55 AM), arriving in Castellón by 8:50 AM, with a return flight in the late morning (departure 9:25 AM, arrival 12:10 PM). The Sunday flights will leave Budapest in the afternoon and return in the evening.
Castellón’s airport is approximately 90 kilometres from the centre of Valencia, making it a great base for exploring the region. The Ryanair Buzz subsidiary will operate the flights with Boeing 737 aircraft. These new services will complement Wizz Air’s existing routes to Valencia, which operates four times a week.
One of our readers shared with us a story about a mysterious death on board a China Southern Airlines flight that landed in Budapest on 20 October. Our reader wrote that he was on board trying to resuscitate a woman suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest with a student surgeon and the victim’s husband. The crew could not provide an automated external defibrillator, and the woman died after landing in Budapest. Budapest Airport acknowledged the tragedy, but the Chinese airline still denies it, our reader wrote.
Crew could not provide an automated external defibrillator
One of our readers shared an eyebrow-raising tragedy with our editorial staff lately. The sorrowful events affected a China Southern Airlinesaircraft, arriving from Guangzhou (China) to Budapest on 20 October 2024 under flight number CZ 0649.
According to our reader, two hours before landing, “a flight attendant called into the cabin to ask if any medical personnel were on board to help a passenger.” As a nurse, our reader volunteered and tried to rescue the life of a woman suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest with her husband, a student surgeon and a stewardess.
“After a quick assessment of the situation, I took the victim to the back of the aircraft, as she was in cardiopulmonary arrest. I then began CPR with the help of a young surgical student and the victim’s husband. I asked the flight crew for an automatic defibrillator, but they said they didn’t have one”, he added.
A mysterious death occurred on board a China Southern Airlines flight that landed in Budapest. Photo: FB/China Southern Airlines
He said the crew did not know what to do, so they were on their own to rescue the woman’s life. It took more than 1.5 hours until the plane landed in Budapest, where a rescue team took over the patient but with no success. Then, the Hungarian nurse was left alone without help from the crew.
Mysterious death: Airline silent, Budapest Airport acknowledges tragedy
“For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been trying in vain to get information from the airline, which tells me every day that they are not aware of this incident, and that they are not aware that one of their passengers died on their plane. The company never tried to reach me, no help was offered, no support. I’m still terribly shocked by this event. I don’t understand why there was no defibrillator on board. Why didn’t we land earlier at another, closer airport to take care of the victim? Why did the airline say it was unaware that someone had died on one of their flights? Why didn’t the company try to reach me? To accompany me? Why does the company ignore my requests? Why doesn’t the company react to such a serious event?”
We asked Budapest Airport about the tragedy. The airport wrote that the crew of the plane asked for medical help from the airport at dawn on 20 October for an unconscious passenger. They sent an AMS unit, which took over the cardiopulmonary resuscitation of the patient but could not save her life.
We wrote to China Southern Airlines on 1 November, but they have not yet replied despite our warning that we would like to cover the story.
Read also:
Easyjet deletes popular flights from Budapest – read more HERE
Ryanair left Hungarian families even with small kids at Valencia airport – details in THISarticle
According to the latest decision of the British low-cost airline, EasyJet will operate fewer flights from Budapest next summer than this winter. However, a Hungarian air travel-focused media outlet believes that the reason is simple: they can make more profit in the summer by sending the planes elsewhere than by letting them stay in Budapest.
Based on okosutas.hu, EasyJet will have fewer flights from Budapest next summer than in winter. The decision comes after the British company decided to suspend their Paris and Lyon flights from Budapest during the summer period and reintroduce them only in the winter schedule in 2025.
That may be strange since summer is the European peak season of tourism. EasyJethas probably decided to suspend flights in the summer timetable because their planes can make more profit on other routes than if they stay in Budapest.
No flights to Paris and Lyon next summer from Budapest. Photo: depoitphotos.com
EasyJet reduces frequency in several other routes from Budapest in the summer season and redirects their planes to seashore airports. However, those routes will only operate for two months. As a result, EasyJet’s frequency from Budapest to, for example, Geneva (Switzerland) will be considerably lower in July and August.
Okosutas.hu believes the current EasyJet routes will remain in the next 1.5-2 years, but the British airline may announce new flights any time.
Read also:
Wizz Air expands horizons: Direct flights from Budapest to 71 airports in 32 countries this winter! – read more HERE
Korean budget airline eyesBudapest in major European expansion
As part of its 2024/25 winter schedule, Wizz Air will provide direct flights from Liszt Ferenc International Airport to 71 airports across 32 countries, including five new destinations: Genoa, Gran Canaria, Salerno, Memmingen, and Marrakech.
Wizz Air to operate more than 600 routes this winter
The airline has announced that it will operate more than 600 routes, making over 28 million seats available from the end of October through March, which represents its largest winter offering to date.
Wizz Air is introducing over 40 new routes and will commence operations from the new Salerno airport. It will also resume flights from the Chișinău airport and expand its offerings to destinations such as Cairo (Sphinx Airport), Sharm El Sheikh, Marrakech, and Stuttgart from more European locations.
During the recent summer schedule, the airline carried nearly 40 million passengers across about 200,000 flights. Despite recent geopolitical, weather, and traffic challenges, Wizz Air reported a flight performance rate of 99.3%, one of the highest in the industry.
71 airports in 32 countries to be accessible from Budapest
From Budapest, travellers will have access to 71 airports in 32 countries during the winter schedule, including the five new destinations mentioned earlier: Genoa, Gran Canaria, Salerno, Memmingen, and Marrakech.
Starting in December, Wizz Air will increase its flight frequency to London, with two daily flights departing from Budapest to London Gatwick. This will result in a total of 33 weekly flights between the two cities, representing over a 25% increase compared to the summer period.
The airline has also introduced several new services, including the “All You Can Fly” program, expanded access to the Wizz Multipass subscription, and an updated Wizz Discount Club Premium package. Additionally, payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay are now accepted in the Wizz Air app, and Revolut cards are accepted on board the aircraft.
Carbon emission one of the lowest at Wizz Air
According to the company, the average carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre for its flights were 52.6 grams over the past 12 months, making it one of the lowest in the industry.
As previously reported by AIRportal.hu, the airline is beginning to test the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Airbus, leading the way in compliance with the European Union’s Refuel EU regulations set to take effect in 2025.
András Szabó, Wizz Air’s network development manager, stated, “We are proud to have served over 50 million passengers in Hungary and hope our new routes will encourage even more people to travel. We continue to work on enhancing our operational performance and customer experience with our expanding, modern fleet while adhering to the industry’s highest sustainability standards.”
South Korea’s budget airline T’way is expanding its long-haul network to include Europe, with plans to operate Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on new routes by 2026. Key cities for expansion include Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czechia), and Istanbul (Türkiye).
T’way’s planned European expansion
Earlier this month, T’way launched its Seoul-Frankfurt route, AIRportal.hu reports. According to CEO Jeong Hong-Geun, the airline has seen a strong average seat occupancy of 85% on this route from the start, prompting the airline to increase the frequency to daily flights to Frankfurt by next summer.
Jeong also announced plans to add new routes to Budapest, Prague, and Istanbul, which are increasingly popular destinations among South Korean travellers.
According to AIRportal.hu, the South Korean budget airline’s European expansion follows the European Commission’s conditional approval of the Korean Air and Asiana Airlines merger, which required the surrender of some of their flight slots and rights. Additionally, Korean Air has transferred several wide-body aircraft to T’way, enhancing its fleet for long-haul services.
The South Korean budget airline to boost its European routes
This year, T’way added Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona to its European destinations using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, with a seasonal route to Zagreb as well. For summer 2025, the airline plans to increase Frankfurt flights from four per week to six by late April and then to daily flights starting in May.
In Paris, flights will increase from three to five weekly in late April, with the Boeing 777-300ER, a larger aircraft, replacing the A330-200 on this route. Rome will also see a boost from four to seven weekly flights, with three of these served by the Boeing 777-300ER. Barcelona will maintain its four weekly flights with the A330-200.
T’way’s expansion beyond Europe
Beyond Europe, the budget airline is targeting North American cities, including Vancouver, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco, as part of its expansion plans. The airline is also modernising its fleet, securing a lease agreement with Avolon for five new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, equipped with next-generation engines, set to arrive in spring 2026.
Though a low-cost carrier, T’way is unique among budget airlines for its focus on expanding its cargo operations. This approach supplements revenue on long-haul routes with high demand for air freight.
Currently, direct flights between Seoul and Budapest are operated by Korean Air and Poland’s LOT. For the 2024/25 winter schedule, Korean Air will offer three flights per week, and LOT will operate two. Both airlines plan to return to four weekly flights next summer, according to their schedules.
Wizz Air’s direct flight from Budapest to Brașov (Romania), launched in the summer, has quickly gained popularity, prompting the low-cost airline to boost its service frequency over the holiday season. Between December 17 and January 11, the airline will increase the number of flights heading to Budapest.
Wizz Air to fly the Budapest-Brașov route more frequently
According to information shared by the local international airport and reported by Maszol on Monday, Wizz Air will offer additional flights between Budapest and Brașov during the holiday period. Instead of the usual three flights per week, passengers can now look forward to four weekly departures—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—from 17 December through 11 January.
Wizz Air inaugurated this route on 2 July, emphasising its significance for both cities and countries alike. This new connection primarily enhances access to the Szekler Land region from Hungary’s capital, as the city is closer to several Szekler settlements than other airports with direct flights to Budapest.
Maszol highlighted data from recent months that clearly reflects the route’s strong demand, with 5,000–6,000 monthly travelers between the two cities and occupancy rates exceeding 80%.
The international airport of Brașov, which opened in June 2023, is Romania’s first greenfield airport since the fall of the Iron Curtain. Its establishment was heavily backed by local councils in the Szekler Land, who view the airport as a vital link connecting the region’s Hungarian-speaking communities with the wider world.
Air France and KLM are ramping up their global networks this winter, with even more flights heading to Budapest Airport. Discover the exciting new destinations and enhanced services they’re bringing to travellers worldwide!
Air France’s global expansion
According to Airportal, Air France is set to expand its global network significantly by the end of March, offering flights to 169 destinations across 73 countries. In long-haul services, new routes will include Kilimanjaro, Salvador de Bahia, Manila, and Malé, with most destinations served by A350s and Boeing 777s. Kilimanjaro flights will extend the existing Zanzibar service, while seasonal flights to Denver and Phoenix will also be available during the winter months.
Photo: facebook.com/airfrance
More flights to Budapest Airport and Scandinavian destinations
For its European network, Air France operates 630 flights daily and is introducing new routes such as Kiruna and additional Nordic cities, accessible through an agreement with Scandinavian Airlines. Additionally, 20 weekly flights to Budapest will be available for the winter season. By year’s end, Air France will debut its revamped La Première first-class service on select routes, including Abidjan, New York, and Tokyo, enhancing the travel experience on its Boeing 777-300s.
Photo: bkk.hu
KLM’s winter schedule
KLM will offer flights to 155 destinations this winter, including 89 European and 66 intercontinental cities. Within Europe, the Dutch airline is expanding its presence with its new Airbus A321neo on key routes, increasing flights to cities such as Billund, Belfast, and Rovaniemi, and operating 28 weekly flights to Budapest Airport. In North America, Portland is a new addition, with increased capacity to Edmonton and San Francisco among 19 destinations served.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Source: Facebook/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Exotic destination
Globally, KLM is boosting capacity across the Caribbean, with expanded services to destinations like Paramaribo and Curacao over Christmas, and daily flights to several South American and African cities. In Asia, capacity will match last year’s levels, with daily flights to major cities, though Russian airspace restrictions are causing longer routes. KLM is also enhancing passenger comfort with a new Premium Comfort Class across its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, offering upgraded seating, more personal space, and improved dining options.
The winter schedule at Budapest Airport started today with 9 new flights from easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air China, Swiss and Vueling. For example, you can travel to Paris-CDG, Toulouse, Liverpool, Genoa, Marrakech, Memmingen, Salerno, and Gran Canaria. Thanks to Vueling, we can travel to Bilbao, Spain, from the Hungarian capital.
The bazaars of Marrakech, the Guggenheim Museum, Parisian romance, the famous Pink City – Budapest Airport’s winter schedule, which comes into effect at the end of October, when the clocks go back, is a sure-fire recipe for winter lethargy. Choose from nine new flights available from Budapest Airport or existing destinations and fill your upcoming winter days with life, bud.hu wrote.
Budapest Airport, part of VINCI Airports, welcomes the winter schedule, which will come into effect on 27 October, with nine new flights. For the lovers of sunny cities with mild winter weather, there are two new Spanish destinations to choose from: Gran Canaria, the third largest and perhaps most popular of the Canary Islands, and Bilbao, a unique blend of modernity and history, will be just a flight away from Budapest in the winter schedule. While Wizz Air offers direct flights to Gran Canaria, Vueling provides direct flights to Bilbao in December.
Photo: Alpár Kató/DNH
The range of airlines flying to Paris will be expanded; the 21 flights per week from Air France will be joined by easyJet, with 4 flights per week. Ryanair will open a route to another popular French city, Toulouse; while Paris is a classic favourite, Toulouse is a refreshing new addition to the destination map. The city, located on the banks of the Garonne river, boasts pink houses, one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches and, for aviation enthusiasts, an Airbus visiting tour. Thanks to the two new flights, the Hungarian capital has seen the biggest increase in connections to France in Europe, up 38%.
Source: FB/Budflyer
There is also a significant increase to Italy, with an even wider offer to 13 Italian cities this winter season, more than to the UK, which has been the top performer so far. The existing flights to Rome, Milan, Naples, Bari, Pisa, Catania, Bologna, Palermo, Venice, Cagliari and Trieste will be joined by two coastal destinations, Genoa and Salerno, courtesy of Wizz Air.
For those looking to explore destinations beyond Europe, Wizz Air’s Marrakech flight is one of the best choices. Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this Moroccan city not only offers warmer weather than Hungary, but also bazaars with a distinctive atmosphere and beautiful mosques. The city’s most famous landmarks include the ornate Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square, where you can step right into the heart of local culture.
Wizz Air will also launch a new flight to Memmingen in Germany, a perfect choice for those who prefer a less touristy, but colourful and charming city, while Ryanairwill fly to Warsaw, for those who want to add rich historic walks to their sightseeing.
Photo: FB/Budapest Airport
Of the long-haul flights operated in the summer season, Shanghai Airlines’ Shanghai service will continue to operate daily in the winter season, while Air China will fly to Beijing four times a week from the end of October, offering 25,000 more seats than in the winter of 2023.
“This winter season, there will be even more seats available than last year, and passengers have nine new flights to choose from, offering a choice of destinations for both short city breaks and longer adventures,” said Francois Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport. He added: “Budapest’s popularity is growing steadily and spectacularly; we expect many tourists to arrive in Hungary during the winter season. As the operator of Budapest Airport, it is our task to create the conditions for this growth, contributing to the further strengthening of the importance of tourism for the national economy.”
Read also:
New decree: A wider, greener, and more comfortable high-speed road to connect Budapest Airport with the city – read more HERE
Shuttle driver confusedplanes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly
According to Dávid Vitézy, a Hungarian public transport expert, former Fidesz mayoral candidate, and member of the Budapest Municipal Assembly, Budapest Airport is the largest EU airport without a direct rail link to its city. However, instead of constructing a railway line, the Hungarian government has decided to improve the existing road connecting Budapest to its international airport.
Getting from Budapest Airport to the city centre
Upon arrival at Budapest Airport, visitors can choose from several options to reach the city centre. The most affordable, if not the most comfortable, option is the 100E airport shuttle bus, which costs HUF 2,200 (EUR 5.5). This shuttle can take you directly to Deák Ferenc Square in the city centre or to Ferihegy train station, where you may switch to a train.
Photo: FB/BKK
If you opt for the train, you can travel to Nyugati Railway Station, situated near Budapest’s Grand Boulevard, or venture further to rural towns like Szeged, Debrecen, Miskolc, or Nyíregyháza.
Alternatively, you could take a taxi from the airport, offering a more comfortable but considerably pricier ride, estimated at around EUR 30 depending on your destination in the city, according to bud.hu.
Current airport road deemed unacceptable by foreign visitors
A recent government report has acknowledged that the high-speed road linking Budapest Airport to the city requires improvement. The most problematic section lies between the airport’s former Terminal 1 and the Üllői Avenue – Határ Avenue intersection, where the road is only one lane. Pest County Government Office stated that this section does not meet expected service standards, has a high accident risk, and is seen as substandard by international visitors. Consequently, the road requires redevelopment and expansion.
The high-speed road to and from the airport is the two central lanes. Photo: Google Maps
In September, the government office began an environmental authority review process, holding a public hearing. On Thursday, the Orbán administration issued a decree for the road’s redevelopment preparation. János Lázár has been tasked with initiating land acquisition and preparing construction sites. Once the plans are finalised, he will begin the public procurement process and propose a budget to the government.
The planned development will encompass the segment between Market Central (on Budapest’s outskirts) and the Üllői Avenue – Határ Avenue intersection. The aim is to widen the road, enhance green spaces, improve bicycle and pedestrian paths, and create a high-speed route befitting a major city. Importantly, the expansion is designed to avoid increasing suburban traffic along the segment.
According to telex.hu, construction could commence as early as 2026, with the road anticipated to open to traffic by 2030.
During a press conference on 16 October, Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that only a few properties would need to be nationalised for the project.
Gergely Gulyás in the Tisza Castle in Geszt briefing press after the government meeting finished. Photo: MTI
Prospects for a direct train connection to Budapest Airport
Dávid Vitézy, who nearly succeeded in his bid for the mayoralty against Gergely Karácsony in June, has argued that the Hungarian government should prioritise establishing a direct train connection to Budapest Airport. In a recent Facebook post, he noted that the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility would provide funding for this project, for which plans and permissions have already been secured.
The relevant funding applications were opened in September, and Vitézy added that all that remains is for the government to submit its application. Should the government approve, a direct train connection could link the airport to Budapest’s city centre (via Nyugati and Köki train stations) and Monor in the opposite direction. Below is a map illustrating the proposed plans:
Photo: FB/Dávid Vitézy
Vitézy highlighted that Budapest Airport remains the only major EU airport without a direct rail connection to its city and argued that there is no need for an expensive railway line constructed by China.
More details on this project can be found in our dedicated article HERE.
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Shuttle driver confused planes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly – read more HERE
The Sunexpress airline’s Antalya-Düsseldorf service had to make an emergency landing in Budapest on Wednesday as a passenger was taken fatally ill, Budapest Airport told MTI.
A unit of the Airport Medical Service rushed to resuscitate the 75-year-old man but their efforts have failed, it said.
Budapest Airport has expressed condolences to the man’s relatives.
The flight will soon depart to its original destination, BA said.
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All Wizz Air flights cancelledto busy airport, new airlines may come to Budapest
Wizz Air announced that they would not launch flights to Tel-Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until next January because of the security situation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, a Kazakh airline may come to Budapest with additional routes to Munich, Riga, and Vienna.
According to airportal.hu, Wizz Air prolonged the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until 14 January 2025, due to the security situation in the Middle East. The Hungarian budget airline offers 100% refund for its passengers in credits or cash. Another option for passengers affected is to book a flight to a different destination. However, if passengers bought their tickets via a third party, they should enquire about compensation or rebooking at the seller.
No flights to Tel Aviv until January. Photo: FB/Wizz Air
Kazakh airlines may fly to Budapest
Meanwhile, a Kazakh airline is keen to come to Budapest Airport. According to Budflyer, a Hungarian travel news media outlet, the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and the European Union are working to increase the number of flights between the EU and the Central Asian country in the medium term. The Kazakh civic aviation authority (CAC) talked about the negotiations and plans to press.
According to their statement, the new flights would commute from Kazakhstan to Budapest, Riga, Munich, and Vienna. However, they did not share an exact date or the name of the airlines interested in the project. In the region, SCAT Airlines returned to Prague with flights to and from Astana.
Astana, Kazakhstan. Source: Pixabay
Previously, a direct Wizz Air flight carried passengers between Astana and Budapest. However, it had to be closed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war following it.
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Shuttle driver confused planes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly – read more HERE
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4 Emirates flights land in Budapest due to Middle East conflict – check out the details and some photo in THISarticle
An airport shuttle driver confused the planes and took passengers to the Tirana flight instead of the Dubai plane. Later, they had to leave the plane but boarding the new passengers would have taken too much time. As a result, Wizz Air delayed the plane, so they could not fly home with hundreds of passengers from Dubai while hundreds of people remained stuck at Budapest Airport. According to one of the passengers in Dubai, they did not get any help from the Hungarian budget airline. Wizz Air denies the allegations.
Two hundred passengers stuck in Dubai and Budapest Airport
According to Blikk, more than two hundred passengers waited for their plane in Dubai, but Wizz Air informed them on Friday afternoon that their aircraft would only take off on Saturday afternoon.
That is because an airport shuttle driver confused the planes at Budapest Airportand took the passengers of the Dubai flight to the Tirana plane. Thankfully, the crew and the passengers discovered the problem, but disembarking them and boarding the new passengers would have taken too much time. Furthermore, since the plane had to land in Larnaca due to the violent conflict in the Middle East, the crew would have run out of authorised work time.
Photo: FB/BpAirport
Wizz Air denies
As a result, Wizz Air decided to cancel their Friday Dubai flight and postpone it to Saturday. However, according to passengers waiting for the pink-blue plane in Dubai, they did not offer help for them. Therefore, one passenger had to book a nearby hotel for Friday night.
Wizz Air denied those allegations. In their official statement concerning the issue, they did not mention the driver’s error at the airport, but acknowledged that the boarding process took too much time in Budapest. The crew’s authorised working time would have ended before they reached Larnaca, so they decided to postpone the flight’s take-off.
Photo: FB
Wizz Air added that they provided help for their passengers stuck in Budapest and Dubai. The company also apologised for the inconvenience.
Since Blikk wrote nothing more about the delayed flight, we assume the passengers came home yesterday afternoon.
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Surprising: Wizz Air abolishes“last passenger-friendly discount”, flies longer to the Middle East
