The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on Wednesday dismissed a challenge by Hungary’s Wizz Air of European Commission clearance for close to EUR 2m in state aid for Romanian airline TAROM.
Featured image: depositphotos.com
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.
One of our readers shared an eyebrow-raising tragedy with our editorial staff lately. The sorrowful events affected a China Southern Airlines aircraft, 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.
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.
“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:
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. EasyJet has 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.
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:
Budapest’s iconic Keleti railway station, celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, is undergoing essential renovations as part of the accelerated “Keleti Programme”, launched in response to recent disruptions. Following two derailments related to track switches in the second half of the year, MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) CEO Zsolt Hegyi announced a comprehensive plan to modernise and enhance the safety and reliability of Hungary’s busiest station.
Though unrelated in the cause, the two incidents impacted passenger confidence and disrupted train schedules, prompting Hegyi to prioritise an already-planned refurbishment programme for the station. (The last incident: A train derailed at Keleti station, causing several trains to be delayed.) The Keleti Programme, now underway, focuses initially on replacing nearly 200 wooden railway ties in the station’s switch zone. These upgrades are essential to ensure passenger safety and punctuality in train operations.
The project’s current phase, which began today, will run through the end of the month. To minimise disruption to passenger services, the construction work will occur exclusively at night, from 9 PM to 5 AM. However, travellers should be aware that some trains may arrive on alternate tracks due to the ongoing renovations. MÁV kindly asks for passengers’ understanding and patience during this time.
November marks the first yet crucial step of the Keleti Programme. By the end of the year, MÁV plans to implement significant interventions across 35 locations within Keleti’s switch and crossing zones. The major portion of the project is set for 2024, promising extensive upgrades to the station’s infrastructure and paving the way for smoother, safer rail operations in the years ahead.
As Budapest’s railway hub transforms, MÁV remains committed to delivering a more reliable and passenger-friendly experience for everyone travelling through the Keleti railway station.
Read also:
The Hungarian Parliament Speaker called the floods that hit southern and eastern parts of Spain one of the most destructive natural disasters of recent years. The floods claimed an extremely high number of lives and affected even air traffic in the region. The death toll has already passed 100. According to Blikk, Ryanair left Hungarian families without help at the Valencia airport. A mother of three waited hours at the crowded terminals but they were denied boarding.
Moreover, the Irish low-cost airline’s plane flew back to Hungary with their clothes and left them in Valencia for two more days without proper clothing.
Mariann Szabó told Blikk that the situation was disastrous in the Valencia region. On Wednesday, when their flight was due, the taxi queue was 4 kilometres long. That is because everybody was stuck at the airport. Passengers landing there could not get out, so many of the outgoing passengers could not get to the gates.
The Hungarian consulate in the city wanted to help but could not solve the situation.
She and her husband got to the airport in time with their three kids but only two bag drop desks operated. Their plane took off with a delay of only 1 hour and 15 minutes but only their luggage was on board.
Mariann does not understand why their plane left with their bags. She said that after they were past the hours-long check-in procedure, they rushed to the gates because there was no information about their departure.
Experts told Mariann that Ryanair probably broke air travel safety rules by transporting their luggage home but leaving them at the airport. She states there was no last call, and no one provided information.
After they were left there they waited for additional hours only to learn that Ryanair believes it was their fault that they could not embark on their plane. They were outraged, so finally, Ryanair rebooked their flight on a plane departing two days later, and from another city.
They spent one night in Valencia, then rented a car and drove to Malaga. She said the clothing, food and accommodation they need will require an additional EUR 1,250.
They do not plan to start a legal procedure against the airline but demand compensation. Mariann said they begged a Spanish driver to take them back to the city. She said many stood in the queue for hours even with crying kids, which was heartbreaking to see. Furthermore, the airport did not give them even a bottle of water, she said.
Blikk asked Ryanair for comment but has not received a reply yet.
László Kövér, Hungary’s speaker of parliament, has sent messages of condolences to speakers of Spain’s House of Representatives and Senate expressing his sympathy over the victims of recent floods in Spain.
In the messages addressed to Francina Armengol Socias and Pedro Rollan Francina Armengol, respectively, Kövér voiced his “deep shock” over the floods that hit southern and eastern parts of Spain, claiming “an extremely high number of lives”.
Kövér added he hoped that Spain could repair the damage caused by “one of the most destructive natural disasters of recent years”.
Read also:
Featured image: depositphotos.com
The long-awaited expansion and enhancement of the M1 motorway between Budapest and Győr will commence this autumn with preparatory work, marking the start of a significant improvement project by MKIF Plc. The project aims to transform an 80-kilometre stretch into a 2×3 lane motorway by 2029, complete with intelligent hard shoulders (ITS) that can open based on traffic needs or emergencies. MKIF Plc. CEO Tamás Németh shared details on the upgrades and the company’s wider infrastructure development program.
MKIF Plc., tasked with maintaining 1,237 km of Hungary’s motorways since September 2022, has been executing Hungary’s largest-ever motorway restoration project, Magyar Építők reports. Within two years, a substantial part of the national network has been upgraded, with nearly 4 million square meters of new asphalt installed by the end of 2023. This comprehensive approach avoids mere patchwork repairs by tackling extensive, layered resurfacing, as the company prepares to modernise 43% of the highways it operates by 2025, to meet rigorous standards stipulated by the state.
Németh emphasised that this is far more than a standard resurfacing project. Roadway base layers have been inspected and, in many cases, replaced, addressing structural damage from decades of wear. MKIF Plc. assumes all risk for unexpected complications in deeper road layers, which may require additional material or time. On the M1 motorway, unplanned repairs were necessary due to underestimations of road durability until the planned expansion date, which added complexity but will ensure long-term reliability.
The project includes a significant environmental component. Special permits have been obtained to transplant protected plant species from affected areas along the M1 motorway. Furthermore, invasive shrubs and small wooded areas, which hinder expansion, will be removed and replaced with new compensatory forests, meeting legal and ecological standards.
Plans also address the removal of hedges in the central median, which have been linked to increased maintenance costs and traffic risks. Replacing these with concrete barriers will improve safety and reduce the need for disruptive maintenance. Additional greenery, including trees and shrubs, will be planted closer to the highway perimeter to preserve a green buffer for motorists.
Proper handling of underground utilities is critical to keeping the project on schedule. Crews are currently verifying the placement of utilities, followed by plans for relocation or reinforcement to avoid delays during the main construction phase. Archaeological surveys are another crucial aspect; experts have already been engaged to prevent potential disruptions should significant findings emerge.
With numerous bridges and overpasses along the M1 motorway, particularly near Budapest, bridge upgrades will be essential to accommodate the new 3-lane structure. Initial load-bearing tests will take place this year, paving the way for larger-scale bridge reconstruction in 2025.
While preparatory activities will undoubtedly impact traffic, steps are being taken to ensure minimal disruption. As construction advances, MKIF Plc. plans to implement dynamic traffic management solutions to keep lanes open as much as possible and facilitate a smooth flow of vehicles along one of Hungary’s busiest corridors.
With preparatory work set to conclude by September 2025, the M1 expansion will soon become a visible part of Hungary’s motorway landscape, advancing a major goal in national infrastructure development.
Read also:
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Read also:
This weekend, travellers across Hungary should prepare for changes in train, bus, and HÉV schedules as public transport adjusts for the upcoming holiday. Key routes will see added capacity on trains, while special holiday timetables are in effect for Volánbusz services and HÉV lines. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth journey.
According to MÁV Group, Hungarian railways will follow special schedules over the long weekend. Here’s what travellers should know:
To meet increased demand, InterCity trains on busy routes, including the Nyírség (Budapest–Debrecen–Nyíregyháza), Tokaj (Budapest–Miskolc), Tópart (Budapest–Nagykanizsa), Balaton (Budapest–Keszthely), Békés (Budapest–Békéscsaba), Napfény (Budapest–Szeged), Bakony (Budapest–Veszprém–Szombathely), Göcsej (Budapest–Zalaegerszeg), and Mecsek (Budapest–Pécs) will have additional cars. If passenger traffic demands and resources allow, more cars will be added, MÁV reports.
To check seat availability, passengers can use MÁV’s Elvira platform. This allows them to select trains with open seating (InterCity and Railjet Express). If these fill up, they are encouraged to consider regional trains and InterRegional routes.
Volánbusz interurban buses will follow adjusted schedules:
For a guaranteed seat on Volánbusz routes that don’t require reservations, passengers are advised to book tickets in advance.
HÉV suburban trains will run on the holiday schedule on 1 November. Additionally, during the school holiday, from 28–31 October, HÉV routes follow the workday schedule:
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, especially for peak routes, to ensure a smooth journey.
Read also:
Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube”, is not only a cultural and historical hub but also a destination brimming with luxurious and unique accommodation options. From grand heritage hotels to chic modern getaways, the city offers a range of lodging experiences that cater to various tastes and budgets.
Forbes has curated a list of the top 10 hotels in Budapest that promise unforgettable stays for visitors.
Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building overlooking the Chain Bridge, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a pinnacle of luxury. Its opulent interiors, impeccable service, and views of the Danube create an unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy world-class amenities, a luxurious spa, and fine dining at Kollázs Brasserie & Bar, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of historical elegance and modern comfort.
A music-themed boutique hotel, the Aria Hotel is designed to celebrate musical genres from jazz to classical. Each room is individually styled, and guests enjoy high-end amenities, a lavish rooftop bar with city views, and access to the hotel’s private spa. Located near St. Stephen’s Basilica, this hotel is a favourite among music lovers and those who appreciate creative, luxurious design.
The New York Palace combines Italian Renaissance architecture with Hungarian charm. Known for its iconic New York Café, often called the “most beautiful café in the world,” the hotel immerses guests in a romantic, old-world atmosphere. This grand establishment is located in the heart of the city, ideal for visitors wanting to be close to Budapest’s attractions.
Set along Budapest’s main shopping avenue, Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher offers stylish accommodations at an unbeatable value. The historic lounge and sauna offer cosy relaxation, while its central location ensures easy access to the city’s attractions.
This adults-only boutique hotel on the banks of the Danube provides intimate comfort with a modern twist. Featuring breathtaking views of the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, Hotel Clark is a stylish choice for couples or solo travellers. Its Leo rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city, has quickly become one of Budapest’s trendiest spots.
Known for its opulent interiors and legendary hospitality, Corinthia Budapest offers a lavish retreat in a historic setting. The hotel boasts a renowned Royal Spa, multiple gourmet restaurants, and a dedicated staff ready to cater to every guest’s need. Corinthia’s central location and luxurious atmosphere make it a top choice for travellers who want royal treatment.
A family-friendly luxury hotel, the Ritz-Carlton boasts spacious rooms, a dedicated kids’ club, and a beautiful spa. Located in central Budapest, it’s ideal for families or travellers seeking top-notch service and facilities in the city centre.
One of Budapest’s architectural jewels, Matild Palace has recently reopened as a luxury hotel with meticulously restored interiors. The hotel’s Hungarian-influenced design combines historic grandeur with modern elegance. With the rooftop bar, The Duchess, and gourmet offerings, Matild Palace promises an elevated experience that highlights Budapest’s rich cultural heritage.
A haven for design enthusiasts, Kimpton BEM offers chic interiors, a pet-friendly policy, and sweeping views from its rooftop bar. Situated in Buda, this hotel combines contemporary style with luxurious amenities for a sophisticated experience.
A boutique hotel with a culinary edge, Hotel Rum features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a trendy rooftop bar. Located near the city centre, it’s a superb option for foodies and guests who appreciate an artsy, intimate stay.
Whether visitors are drawn to Budapest’s rich history, vibrant culture, or blossoming culinary scene, these hotels offer prime locations, outstanding services, and memorable atmospheres. From the classic luxury of the Four Seasons and Corinthia to the unique themes of Aria Hotel, each hotel ensures a stay that complements the beauty and energy of Budapest.
Read also:
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).
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.
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.
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.
Read also:
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.
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.
Read also:
Featured image: depositphotos.com
The government is planning a tax increase that could soon drive up fuel prices significantly in Hungary, warns the Association of Independent Gas Stations. According to the association, fuel is already “heavily taxed,” and they strongly condemn this retroactive taxation policy, which they argue unfairly burdens citizens and puts smaller gas stations in a challenging position.
The association raised concerns over proposed changes to the energy efficiency law, which would require gas stations to pay considerably higher taxes on their 2023 sales under the Energy Efficiency Obligation System (Energiahatékonysági Kötelezettségi Rendszer), ATV reports.
“In Hungary, it’s local consumers and citizens who will bear the cost, rather than large energy users alone. This method of taxation is extremely unfair,” said Gábor Egri, president of the Association of Independent Gas Stations (Független Benzinkutak Szövetsége). “For gas stations, the 2025 declaration for our 2023 energy use already shows a steep increase, with tax set at HUF 17 per litre, which equals HUF 50,000 (EUR 124) per gigajoule. By 2027, this will rise to HUF 32 per litre,” Egri explained, adding that this burden has already impacted consumers’ wallets, and the planned increase could push fuel prices even higher.
A tax expert interviewed by ATV News noted that retroactive taxation, especially applying to obligations from 2023, is quite unusual. “The government technically has the authority to introduce any new tax or levy, but professionals and the association don’t see this as fair. Fuel price comparisons globally and across Europe don’t factor in this tax, which can make it misleading since, as you mentioned, the added tax content per litre will now be about HUF 17-18,” said Gábor Csongár, a tax specialist.
The expert also pointed out that the government’s tight budget is evident, further illustrated by its failure to adjust the income tax exemption threshold, despite public expectations for an increase.
Read also:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read also:
There are numerous castles in Hungary, many of which have been beautifully restored to warmly welcome visitors and serve as stunning venues for weddings and other special occasions. Some of these Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau castles are not only historical monuments but have been renovated to serve as hospitals, museums, hotels, exhibition spaces, or even open-air theatres.
Termalfurdo.hu has compiled a list that includes the most charming castles in Hungary. Many of these castles in Hungary either function as spas or are located near renowned thermal baths, making them ideal destinations for those seeking both relaxation and historic charm.
Festetics Castle, located in Keszthely, is one of the largest Baroque castles in Hungary. The castle’s construction began in 1745, and the building underwent several renovations in the 18th and 19th centuries, now boasting a total of 101 rooms. Visitors can explore a permanent exhibition on aristocratic life, while the park surrounding the castle is a designated nature reserve. Just 7 kilometres away in Hévíz, the famous thermal baths offer the perfect spot for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Source: Wikimedia Comms / Author: Thaler
Nádasdy Castle in Egervár is one of the most significant Renaissance monuments in Central Europe and once played a vital role in the region’s defence. Although partially destroyed after the Rákóczi War of Independence, it now functions as a museum and open-air theatre. The castle’s modern visitor guide system offers insights into Renaissance life. Nearby, the Zalaegerszeg Thermal Baths provide a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind.
Hertelendy Castle, built in the early 1920s, is now a luxurious five-star hotel. A favourite for weddings and events, it features a large park, spa facilities, a golf course, riding stables, and even its own airport. Its fame was further enhanced when the film S.O.S. Love was shot here. The nearby Nagyatád Thermal and Spa Baths, open all year round, offer visitors a range of relaxing pools.
Pallavicini Castle, built in 1906 in the late eclectic style, was once home to Margrave Ede Pallavicini, who found the area’s climate beneficial for his health. Today, it houses the Somogy County Lung and Heart Hospital. The 17-hectare park surrounding the castle is adorned with fountains and scenic walkways, and the nearby Kaposvár Flower Baths provide further opportunities for relaxation.
Ozora Castle, nestled in Tolna County, evokes the charm of Renaissance Italy, with decor reminiscent of Italian town palaces. Built in the 15th century and later occupied by the Turks, the castle was converted into a museum in 2007. Visitors can explore period bedrooms, a throne room with a grand fireplace, a Renaissance dining room, and a 15th-century funhouse and kitchen. For those looking to extend their stay, the nearby Tamási Spa offers a variety of relaxation options.
In Simontornya, Fried Castle, a stunning Art Nouveau building, has been transformed into a charming hotel. It draws guests with its French-style park, elegant rooms, and spa facilities. After being converted into apartments in the 1940s, the castle was reopened as a hotel in 2005. It is now a popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and romantic weekend getaways.
Puchner Castle in Bikal, built in 1840, is now a hotel that offers guests a taste of aristocratic living and historic elegance. The hotel boasts a range of wellness facilities, including French and Moroccan-style baths, an adventure estate, and a sports complex. The nearby Gunaras Spa offers additional relaxation options for visitors.
Hungary is home to many excellent thermal spas, and those mentioned above are just a few of the wonderful options available. Set in beautiful surroundings, these thermal baths and castles in Hungary provide the perfect setting for complete relaxation, blending history with rejuvenation.
Read also:
Hungary’s beloved Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád is set to welcome guests again, following an impressive restoration after a tragic fire earlier this year.
In early 2024, a tragic incident struck Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád, leading to the temporary closure of this beloved Hungarian hotel. A fire broke out, causing significant damage and prompting immediate evacuation measures; fortunately, there were no casualties. This unfortunate event underscored the hotel’s importance as a cherished destination for both locals and tourists, known for its stunning views of the Danube Bend and rich history since its establishment in 1971.
Following extensive renovations and safety upgrades, Hotel Silvanus is set to reopen next year, promising to restore its reputation as a premier spot for relaxation and recreation in the picturesque Visegrád region. The hotel features a variety of amenities, including wellness facilities and family-friendly activities, ensuring that it remains a top choice for visitors seeking a memorable experience amidst Hungary’s natural beauty.
Sokszínű Vidék reports that Hungary’s iconic Hotel Silvanus has announced it will reopen to the public in February 2025, following a swift restoration process after a significant fire earlier this year. The top floor and roof were extensively damaged in early March, but BMP Plc. launched reconstruction efforts within two weeks of the incident, even before finalising insurance negotiations. Known for their expertise, BMP Plc has enlisted international specialists and prioritised sustainable, modern solutions to restore the hotel while preserving its charm and eco-friendly reputation.
Hotel Silvanus is celebrated as Hungary’s first “green hotel” and was awarded Hotel of the Year in 2018. A favourite among visitors, the hotel was nearly fully booked, hosting an international conference during the weekend of the fire. Located in Visegrád, part of one of Hungary’s most popular tourist regions, this Hungarian hotel is eager to resume offering world-class hospitality to both domestic and international guests in 2025.
Here are some photos of the restoration process:
Read also:
Theoretically, as all enclosures are covered with metal, a plane is like a Faraday cage. That means if lightning strikes it, it will not be able to reach the inside. Instead, it will be conducted to the outside. However, a Wizz Air pilot decided not to continue its journey after being hit by lightning twice.
According to index.hu, lightning struck Wizz Air plane carrying passengers from Kutaisi, Georgia, to Prague, Czechia. The pilot decided to turn back to Georgia instead of continuing the journey to the Central European country.
Passengers said they heard two lightning bolts strike the plane and a loud noise on board. Afterwards, the flight attendants announced that the plane’s lightning defence system was damaged, so the aircraft returned to the airport of the Georgian capital.
Wizz Air confirmed passenger reports to index.hu. They said the plane returned to Kutaisi and landed there safely. Afterwards, they started to run the compulsory checkups on the aircraft.
Zsolt Szüle, a pilot trainer, told index.hu that an aluminium layer covers the plane from the outside. In the case of lightning, that remains intact. On the tip of the plane’s nose, a plastic device steers the air while above ground. However, that piece falls if lightning strikes the plane. In that case, the pilot lands as soon as possible.
In June, one of Wizz Air’s London flights was struck by lightning. “The interesting thing is that there was only light and a small sound effect, the plane continued its journey undisturbed. In front of us, a passenger was snorting the whole flight, not even alerted. So it was a little bump, nothing more”, a passenger said while filming the events.
The lightning is believed to have struck the nose of the plane, and some of the massive electrical charge was discharged on the wings. The slow-motion version of the video shows the lightning passing through several points on the right wing:
Read also:
Featured image: depositphotos.com
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.
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%.
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 Ryanair will fly to Warsaw, for those who want to add rich historic walks to their sightseeing.
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:
Wizz Air, the most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, is delighted to announce the opening of its temporary base in Chisinau, Moldova. Base operations will provide passengers with direct connections to 16 destinations this upcoming winter, including 8 new routes with flights starting on the 16th of December. Tickets are available now on wizzair.com or via the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from €24.99.
Passengers can once again experience the convenience of non-stop flights between Chisinau and Berlin, Bologna, Brussels Charleroi, Dortmund, Memmingen, Paris Beauvais, and Verona, as well as the new route to Nuremberg. In total, 16 routes to destinations in 9 countries will be available, including existing routes to Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Milan, Venice, Vienna, Rome, London Luton, and Warsaw. With fares as low as €24.99, Wizz Air offers easy and convenient options to visit one’s family and loved ones or enjoy a city break in one of the above exciting and beautiful cities. Including all destinations this winter, Wizz Air will provide over 400,000 seats for passengers in 2024.
Wizz Air is dedicated to providing excellent service and growing its network to meet the needs of its customers. With the base reopening in Moldova, the airline is adding a new Airbus A320 to Chisinau Airport, which highlights its commitment to the Moldovan market and its ongoing expansion towards achieving an aircraft fleet of 500 aircraft within the next 8 years.
Andras Rado, Head of Communications and Government Affairs at Wizz Air, said: “ Wizz Air began its operations in Moldova in 2013, and opened its base in Chisinau in March 2017. During this time, the airline carried almost 4 million passengers. We are thrilled to resume our base operations and add more direct flights connecting Chisinau now with 16 destinations, underscoring our vision of growth. This development will provide nearly 91,000 additional seats, securing 374% capacity growth during the winter season for passengers traveling to and from Chisinau. Wizz Air is dedicated to providing convenient direct travel opportunities and fostering connections between Moldova and the rest of Europe and beyond. As we grow, we are proud to contribute to the Moldovan economy by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity for travellers.”
Mr. Pascaluta Mircea, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, said: “Today’s event is a clear indication that Chisinau Airport is growing and becoming an even more important hub in the region. For our passengers, the new routes opened by Wizz Air mean more opportunities to travel at great prices. In addition, we are increasing connection options between Moldova and top destinations in Europe and helping our diaspora citizens to come home more often.”
Mr. Spoiala Sergiu, General Director, Chisinau International Airport, said: “The reopening of the Wizz Air operational base in Chisinau proves once again that our airport is becoming more and more attractive in the air transport industry. An air base means network expansion, new job opportunities at the local level for aviation and tourism, and the diversification of aeronautical activities, strengthening commercial relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European countries.
We are glad that negotiations with our partner Wizz Air brought successful results, and the reopening of the Wizz Air operational base at the Chisinau International Airport certainly represents an important step for the development of the airport and the area it serves, which
allows us to offer our passengers greater choice, convenience, and affordable travel options, benefiting from extensive network of destinations and quality service.”
| ROUTE | DAYS | FARES FROM* | STARTS |
| Chisinau – Dortmund | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 29.99 EUR | 16 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Memmingen | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 24.99 EUR | 16 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Nuremberg | Thursday, Sunday | 24.99 EUR | 19 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Berlin | Tuesday, Saturday | 39.99 EUR | 17 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Verona | Monday, Friday | 24.99 EUR | 16 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Paris Beauvais | Tuesday, Saturday | 24.99 EUR | 17 December 2024 |
| Chisinau – Bologna | Wednesday, Sunday | 24.99 EUR | 18 December 2024 |
| Chisinau -Brussels Charleroi | Thursday, Sunday | 24.99 EUR | 19 December 2024 |
Read also:
