travel

Hungarian Wizz Air reopens base with 16 direct routes!

Wizz Air passengers All You Can Fly

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 2023 multipass
Photo: depositphotos.com

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

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Significant change in Budapest’s public transport from 2025: security increases

BKK Budapest Significant change in Budapest's public transport from 2026

In the mayoral election campaign, Dávid Vitézy, an independent candidate backed by the Hungarian Green Party, the opposition LMP, and later PM Orbán’s Fidesz, said the Budapest Transport Company should set up an independent law enforcement body that can guarantee a higher level of safety and security on their public transport vehicles. The new structure will start work in 2025. Here is what we already know about their tasks and authority.

Homeless people on trams, buses

In social media, passengers often complain about the unbearable and abominable circumstances they sometimes face while travelling with BKK public transport vehicles. The situation is worse in the suburban and outer district lines where homeless people regularly occupy seats despite not having showered for weeks or using them as a toilet.

Dávid Vitézy, a mayoral candidate in the 9 June elections who slightly lost to Gergely Karácsony with only a couple of hundred votes, submitted a proposal to the first municipal council sitting about setting up a law enforcement body for BKK. Despite arguing about multiple issues, the Municipal Council accepted Vitézy’s proposal unopposed.

vitézy Hungarian green opposition party supports PM Orbán's relative for Budapest's mayor
The mayor who never was. Dávid Vitézy. Photo: FB/Vitézy

Magyar Hang asked Ambrus Kiss, the former deputy mayor of Budapest and the current general director of the Budapest mayoral office, about how the project was advancing. Mr Kiss said the new unit would be an independent body, but integrated under the Budapest law enforcement directorate FÖRI.

Budapest’s public transport will be safer

He added that there were employees whose task was to assure safety and the passengers’ compliance with the travel conditions. BKK’s security service helped them before, and now, the two bodies will be merged, and the number of employees will increase to 50.

Mr Kiss added that they could only decide about a further employee number increase after the 2025 budget is accepted. Furthermore, they would review the new system’s effectiveness because “billions can be spent without being more effective”.

Traffic will change in Budapest
Photo: FB/BKK

The new law enforcement authority will exclude anybody from travelling unless they comply with the rules. They can also ask for identification documents. However, they will need help from the police if somebody refuses to show them their identification documents or has a weapon.

Integrated service to help drivers

Mr Kiss highlighted the new unit should not be against homeless people because if somebody stinks, is drunk or aggressive, it does not mean they are homeless.

He added that they would create an integrated dispatcher service for BKV, BKK and FÖRI. They plan to place a button in the BudapestGO app which lets the user call the service directly. He hopes that the update will be ready by next March.

Fraudsters try to sell Budapest tickets and passes
Do not forget to buy your ticket. Photo: FB/BKK

Gábor Naszályi, a BKK trade union chairman, said that most problems derived from dodgers instead of homeless people. He said the drivers are not able to argue with all of them and convince them to purchase a ticket or a pass. An electronic monitoring system could help, but that project failed in 2018, under the Fidesz leadership. Therefore, the drivers are looking forward to the new unit.

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New decree: A wider, greener, and more comfortable high-speed road to connect Budapest Airport with the city

wider, greener, comfortable high-speed road connecting Budapest Airport with the city (Copy)

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.

Budapest airport shuttle 100E nr 2 (Copy)
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.

Budapest Airport road
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 Hungarian government forint
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:

New Budapest Airport railway connection
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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Budapest’s ticket machines to get a modern makeover, busy flyover renovation begins

budapest bkk ticket machines

The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) has initiated a public procurement process aimed at revamping its network of pass and ticket machines and acquiring brand-new units. With the current machines now over a decade old, the overhaul comes as their operational contract is nearing its expiration, the company announced.

New or refurbished ticket machines to appear in Budapest

The procurement process is expected to take between three to five months, with the new contract set to be signed by spring 2025, BKK reports. Afterwards, refurbished or entirely new machines could appear at key transit hubs across Budapest as early as 2026. BKK’s network of over 300 machines has served commuters in the capital for nearly a decade, operating around the clock in busy stations.

budapest bkk ticket machines
Photo: BKK

For many, these machines remain a crucial part of ticket purchasing, contributing more than 60% of the company’s sales revenue in 2021. However, recent years have seen a growing shift toward digital solutions, such as the BudapestGO app and BP Pay&GO service, which now account for over 30% of BKK’s sales.

Despite this trend, nearly half of all ticket and pass purchases still occur through vending machines. This includes high-demand products like the newly introduced Pest County and national travel passes. Since their launch, the vending machines have processed a staggering 146 million transactions, amounting to HUF 378 billion (EUR 938 million) in total sales.

BKK’s goal is to ensure that the new machines continue to operate reliably and meet modern standards. The chosen contractor will be responsible for taking over the existing system, fully managing its operation, refurbishing part of the network, and procuring and installing new machines. Additionally, both the physical devices and the supporting software systems will fall under the contractor’s responsibilities. The current operator’s contract is set to expire in December 2025, with the new agreement expected to be signed by the spring of that year.

Flórián Square overpass renovation to begin

Another significant project set to start in early 2025 is the renovation of the Flórián Square overpass. The structure, built more than 40 years ago, has deteriorated significantly, with water infiltration causing corrosion to the steel reinforcements and damaging the concrete. The renovation, scheduled to last until early 2026, can no longer be postponed.

budapest flórián square flyover renovation
The flyover at Flórián Square, Budapest, Hungary. Photo: BKK

The project will involve replacing the road surface, repairing the reinforced concrete structure, and completely renewing the waterproofing to stop water from seeping through and damaging the pillars. New, safer guardrails will be installed, and improvements will be made to the drainage system, retaining walls, and the concrete surfaces of the pillars.

The contract for the renovation was awarded to KM Építő Ltd., which will carry out the modernisation work for a net sum of HUF 2.1 billion (EUR 5.2 million). The total project cost, including mandatory reserves, technical oversight fees, authority fees, and other expenses, is expected to be around HUF 3 billion (EUR 7.45 million), including VAT.

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Hungary’s new Highway Code will shock drivers and transform road safety

Hungary New Highway Code

The Ministry of Construction and Transport has pledged to introduce a new Highway Code by 31 March 2025, which will be presented by the Hungarian government. For several months, experts from the Ministry and the Hungarian Institute of Transport Science and Logistics, alongside various external specialists, have been collaborating on drafting the legislation. Five dedicated working groups are focused on incorporating the feedback and suggestions received so far into the updated traffic regulations.

According to Vezess.hu, the Ministry’s representatives will periodically brief the press on the planned reforms. So far, they have outlined the key principles of the new Highway Code, proposed updates to the process for obtaining a driving licence, and introduced initiatives aimed at motorcyclists and pedestrians. Recently, they unveiled specific proposals addressing a wide range of everyday concerns for road users, from honking to parking. Dániel Zách, an automotive journalist, told ATV that many of the new traffic rules are already being observed in practice but are not yet enshrined in law. He highlighted the “zipper principle,” which helps maintain smoother traffic flow when the right lane is closed, as an example.

Hungary new Highway Code
Source: Pixabay

Key changes

Lane and parking changes

The new Highway Code introduces a concept known as the “protection lane”, designed to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists. This new rule allows vehicles to pass in the centre of the lane, rather than staying strictly to the right. Additionally, the term “waiting” has been replaced by “parking”, and changes have been made to the terminology around stopping lanes to prevent misunderstandings. The draft legislation also proposes a new sticker system to indicate the driving abilities of older drivers.

Speed limit changes

There are significant adjustments to speed limits under the new Highway Code. The current motorway limit of 130 km/h will remain, though certain stretches may see this increased to 140 km/h in the future. Outside built-up areas, a new speed limit of 90 km/h is proposed for buses, trucks, and trailers. Another key proposal is the introduction of a mandatory two-second gap between vehicles on motorways, aimed at improving safety.

Changes in signalling and lighting

New rules have been outlined for the use of indicators, requiring drivers to signal at least two seconds before making a manoeuvre. The use of horns will be restricted to accident situations, while emergency whistles will also be permitted to prevent accidents. Additionally, there will be stricter regulations on seatbelt use for children, with greater responsibility placed on drivers. Under the new rules, children under the age of three must be accompanied by an adult when travelling by bus.

Hungary new Highway Code
Source: Pixabay

When will these changes take effect?

It is expected that the final version of the new Highway Code will take at least another year to be completed. The aim is to have the proposed legislation finalised by the end of March 2025. However, there will be a lengthy transition period before the New Highway Code comes into effect, which is likely to take between six and twelve months. As a result, the earliest penalties under the updated regulations are not expected until late 2025 or early 2026.

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New Hungarian airline set to launch by late 2024!

New Hungarian airline budapest airport

A new Hungarian airline, Hungary Airlines, is expected to take off by the end of 2024, potentially receiving its operational license soon.

New Hungarian airline to start operation soon

The airline, which has been taking shape since May, could embark on its first flight this December using a plane currently operated by Wizz Air, Index reports.

Despite earlier recruitment efforts in the spring, visitors to the company’s website are currently met with an empty page, with just over a month left before the airline’s anticipated launch.

According to Cargo Facts, Hungary Airlines, previously known as Hungary Cargo Airlines (HCA), is close to obtaining the necessary regulatory approval to operate commercial aircraft.

The company plans to use an Airbus A330–200F, which will fly under the new brand starting from December. This cargo aircraft, built in 2014, is powered by Trent 700 engines and was previously operated by Qatar Airways. The Hungarian government purchased the plane in 2020 and later leased it to Wizz Air.

The airline’s rebranding

Hungary Airlines confirmed these details to Cargo Facts, although the company has gone through some changes. Originally founded in 2021 under the name Universal Translink Airlines Hungary Ltd., it rebranded to Hungary Cargo Airlines in May 2024, beginning recruitment and developing its identity. However, their website now lacks any informative content, despite still being accessible.

HCA is currently majority-owned by Chinese-Hungarian investors, with the Wizz Air-operated Airbus A330F flying the Budapest–Hangzhou route five times a week.

Daily News Hungary also reported on the new airline’s expected launch back in May; find our article HERE.

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Attention! Budapest M2 metro to operate on a shortened route

Police M2 metro Budapest

Due to maintenance work, the M2 metro line will only run between the Déli railway station and Puskás Ferenc Stadium stations from Thursday and Friday evenings starting at 9 PM, and all day on Saturday and Sunday, as announced by the Budapest Transport Center (BKK) on Monday.

Changes in M2 metro schedule

According to the announcement, a replacement bus service will operate with M2 signage between the Puskás Ferenc Stadium and Örs vezér tere stations, Economx reports.

Police M2 metro Budapest
The M2 metro will run on a shortened route from tomorrow. Photo: FB

BKK stated that passengers could catch the replacement bus at two locations near the Puskás Ferenc Stadium: at the stop next to the metro building on Kerepesi Road, and after the Hungária körút intersection at the stop for the 80 trolleybus heading towards Örs vezér tere. Buses will also depart from the Kőbánya side terminal at Örs vezér tere.

It was noted that on Saturday and Sunday, the ticket office at Örs vezér tere will be inaccessible, so a temporary ticket sales point will be set up next to the “mushroom” building by the HÉV terminal.

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Changes to short-term rental rules impact Budapest only, says Hungarian Tourism Agency

budapest travel airbnb tourism

A two-year suspension of issues of permits for short-term rentals and an increase in the room tax for Airbnb-type activity will affect the area of the capital only, not other settlements, the Hungarian Tourism Agency said on Tuesday, responding to press inquiries.

“The measures will not affect other settlements in Hungary, now or in future,” the agency said. Hungarian Tourism Agency head László Könnyid noted that the capital had led the country in terms of guest nights last year, with 14,200,000. Siofok, on Lake Balaton, was runner-up, with 1,117,497 guest nights, followed by the spa towns of Hajdúszoboszló (1,111,620) and Hévíz (1,068,724).

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Holiday travel advisory: Changes to train and bus schedules in Hungary on 23 October

Hungary's public transport changes bus schedules

Public transportation – train, HÉV and bus schedules – in Hungary will be modified on 23 October due to the national holiday. On this day, trains will operate on a special holiday timetable, while regional bus services will follow Sunday and public holiday schedules, according to a statement by MÁV, the national railway company.

Trains

For train routes such as Budapest to Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Keszthely, Békéscsaba, Szeged, Veszprém, Zalaegerszeg, and Pécs, MÁV plans to add extra train cars based on pre-sales of seat reservations, MÁV reports. The company also stated that additional carriages may be deployed as needed, depending on passenger demand and the availability of vehicles.

HÉV and bus schedules

Important change at Hungarian train, bus stations due to the heatwave
Source: Volánbusz/FB

Regarding buses, services will follow holiday timetables on 23 October, and travellers should note that shops and shopping centres will be closed, meaning buses serving these destinations will also operate on their holiday bus schedules.

In addition, travellers should be aware of potential traffic disruptions in certain towns and cities due to holiday events.

HÉV suburban trains will also run according to the holiday schedule on all lines. Detailed information on bus services can be found on the Volánbusz website, while HÉV timetables are available on the BKK website.

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BREAKING NEWS: Train derailed at Keleti station, several trains delayed – UPDATE

Train derailed at Keleti station, several trains delayed

Another train derailed at Budapest’s Keleti station, causing numerous delays and cancellations for commuters on Monday morning.

Due to a technical fault, some trains at Keleti station may be delayed by 15-20 minutes, Mávinform said on its Facebook page on Monday morning.

They wrote that on the Hatvan line, the Agria from Eger and the Mátra InterRegio from Gyöngyös will run as S80 trains between Budapest and Hatvan. On the Újszász line, the Z60 trains from Szolnok will run as S60 trains between Budapest and Sülysáp.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that another train derailed at Keleti station.

Public transportation expert Dávid Vitézy wrote in a Facebook post:

Another derailment occurred this morning, again at Keleti station, involving a locomotive. This is the cause of the disruption to the station’s operations reported by MÁV. The exact causes are obviously not yet known, but after the incident at the end of the summer, MÁV should explain very quickly how this could have happened again in the same place. Fortunately, as far as I know, there were no personal injuries,

says the MEP in his Facebook post.

It is not yet known what caused the accident.

As we wrote earlier, a train derailed in late August at Keleti station. At the time, five cars of an InterCity train from Cluj Napoca called Claudiopolis derailed. Related article: InterCity derailed, paralysing train traffic at busy Budapest railway station – Photos

It took several days to restore and restart traffic, and days later, it was discovered that the derailment was caused by two broken bolts, which prevented the train from moving properly and diverted it to the adjacent track, which was not designated for it.

Vitézy also provided pictures:

Read also: 5 important things you should know before travelling by train in Hungary

UPDATE

Zsolt Hegyi, the CEO of MÁV made a statement on the matter:

“At dawn this morning, a locomotive travelling at low speed derailed with one axle at Keleti station. It was a trainset, so it was not carrying any passengers and was nowhere near the train. No-one was injured, including the driver, who noticed the track fault and acted accordingly. This accident understandably reminds everyone of the much more serious derailment accident in August, also at Keleti station. However, the two incidents are technically unrelated, as the bolts responsible for that accident have since been inspected at all reasonable points and replaced regardless of their condition, purely on the basis of their age. The cause of the current accident will have to be clarified by a more thorough investigation, but it is clear that the cause is different: the top rail in the picture has broken. However, this is not the most important thing for the passenger, but to reach his destination safely and on time. That is what we are working on. That’s why we have already decided to implement the East Programme next year, which will involve the renovation of the entire interchange area of the station (I should warn you that the complex works will also require the station to be closed to traffic for a while!) In the meantime, more frequent and thorough inspections and stringent safety measures will be taken to prevent accidents like this one from happening or, as in this case, to minimise their impact. Even now, my colleagues are working at full speed to get traffic back to normal as quickly as possible at the Keleti Railway Station.”

New era for Hungarian transport: New national transport giant set to form

Bus drivers can go on strike in Hungary volánbusz bus timetable transport

Hungary’s passenger transport sector is about to undergo a significant transformation in the coming weeks. Two major state-owned transport companies, Volánbusz Plc. and MÁV-HÉV Plc., will merge into MÁV-START Plc., marking the birth of Hungary and the region’s largest passenger transport company. Although both companies have already been part of the MÁV group, this new entity, officially named MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. (MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt.), will streamline their operations under one umbrella.

The merger will dissolve both Volánbusz, which has a substantial workforce and serves a large number of passengers, and MÁV-HÉV, with all assets and liabilities transferring to the newly formed company, Magyarbusz.info reports. The new entity will continue as the legal successor of both companies, absorbing their operations and resources.

Volánbusz Budapest seat reservation
Photo: FB/Volánbusz

Impact on financial structure and assets

This consolidation won’t just change the structure of these companies; it will also significantly affect their financial status. The assets, liabilities, and obligations of Volánbusz and MÁV-HÉV will merge into MÁV-START, resulting in a notable boost in capital for the new company. The registered capital of MÁV Passenger Transport Plc. will more than triple, and the asset base will grow considerably, especially in terms of tangible and current assets.

Currently, Volánbusz holds invested assets worth around HUF 188 billion (EUR 470 million), while MÁV-START’s assets are valued at nearly HUF 472 billion (EUR 1.18 billion). After the merger, the combined asset value will exceed HUF 689 billion (EUR 1.72 billion).

Leadership and timeline

The new company will be chaired by Lászlóné Németh, with other board members including current MÁV-START CEO Dr László Mosóczi, Attila László Chikán, Dr László Sors, András Puskás, József Vida, and Dr István Lantos.

The legal process of merging the three companies is already underway. While the earliest possible date for finalising the merger is 90 days after the decision on 30 September, the new entity is expected to be fully operational by 1 January.

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Top autumn break destinations in Hungary for 2024: Don’t miss out on these adventures

Budapest among affordable destinations for autumn break in Europe

Where are locals heading in Hungary this autumn break? Travel within Hungary is seeing a surge in interest for the autumn school break from 26 October to 3 November, according to Szallas.hu. Bookings have increased by 9% compared to the same period last year. Find the top 10 travel destinations for this autumn below.

1/4th of autumn break bookings target the long weekend

Budapest among affordable destinations for autumn in Europe
Budapest, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

While 23 October is not part of a long weekend this year, the final school day on Friday, 25 October, marks the start of the autumn break, followed by a long weekend for All Saints’ Day on November 1. This period is proving to be popular for holidaymakers, with Szallas.hu reporting a notable rise in pre-bookings, Lelépő writes.

During this time, many accommodations will offer special seasonal activities and decorations.

“Pumpkin carving will be available in many places, while others are hosting wizard schools, Halloween mini discos, face painting, costume contests, and children’s shows,”

Szallas.hu reports. For adults, some locations will offer wine tastings and extended wellness hours. There will also be performances from popular Hungarian artists like Zséda, Nótár Mary, Peter Šrámek, Bon-Bon, and Szabó Ádám, making the evenings even more memorable.

eger hungary hungarian town
Eger, Hungary. Photo: depositphotos.com

Top domestic travel destinations for the autumn break in 2024 according to Szallas.hu pre-bookings:

  1. Eger
  2. Gyula
  3. Budapest
  4. Pécs
  5. Szeged
  6. Miskolc
  7. Hajdúszoboszló
  8. Hévíz
  9. Nyíregyháza
  10. Sárvár

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Wizz Air flight lands in Tirana instead of Podgorica, passengers left without explanation

Wizz Air Airbus A321neo_1 Debrecen base

Passengers on Wizz Air’s Saturday morning flight to Montenegro were surprised when their plane, instead of landing in Podgorica as planned, touched down in Albania’s capital, Tirana. The aircraft initially attempted to land at its original destination but was forced to abort and ascend again.

Upon landing in Tirana, passengers were disembarked without being given any explanation for the unexpected diversion, according to a report shared with Telex by one of its readers. The aircraft then departed Tirana without the passengers, heading to Memmingen, Germany, leaving travellers stranded in both Albania and Montenegro.

Telex reached out to Wizz Air for clarification. In a statement, the airline confirmed the incident, explaining that dense fog at Podgorica’s airport prevented the plane from landing safely. Following standard procedure, the pilots diverted the flight to Tirana’s airport.

Wizz Air assured passengers that those originally bound for Podgorica were later transported by bus from Tirana to their intended destination. Meanwhile, travellers expecting to fly from Podgorica to Memmingen were offered free ticket modifications for alternative flights and provided with accommodations until their new departure time.

Wizz Air to introduce new flights

As we reported before, the Hungarian low-cost airline is most likely going to introduce new flights soon to utilise free capacities after it decided to halt all its flights to Tel Aviv until January 2025. CEO József Váradi said in Warsaw before the Israel decision that should they have to abandon the country, they would shift extra capacities to other routes. Wizz Air needs to utilise its seats as much as possible during the end-of-the-year peak, which lasts 2.5 weeks.

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Revamping Budapest: Major upgrades coming to taxi stands across the city

Taxi fares in Budapest can rise again while chased away Uber comes back

The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) has launched a multi-phase renovation program for taxi stands, aiming to refresh nearly 120 of the city’s approximately 300 taxi stations by the end of this year.

Budapest taxi stands to be renovated

According to a statement sent to MTI on Friday, the renovation work has already commenced in the city centre, with plans to extend to the outer districts by the year’s end as part of a collaborative effort between BKK and Budapest Közút, Növekedés.hu reports. The program is being carried out in several phases, with about 100 stands already receiving fresh road markings.

Taxi fares in Budapest can rise again while chased away Uber comes back
Photo: Főtaxi/FB

In addition to the new paint, the renovations will encompass all necessary improvements to ensure the taxi stands are safe and comfortable for users. This will result in several stations offering more spacious areas for passengers using taxi services.

Earlier this year, BKK assumed responsibility for taxi administration from Budapest Közút, placing a strong emphasis on enabling residents and visitors to travel and navigate the city with ease. As part of this commitment, BKK is also modernising the passenger information systems at public transport terminals and initiating the reconstruction of taxi stations.

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Planning to drive around Budapest? Major M0 motorway repairs to cause delays for 2 weeks

m0 motorway budapest ring road traffic

For the next two weeks, motorists using the M0 motorway, the ring road around Budapest should expect lane closures due to warranty road surface and expansion joint repairs. The works will affect the stretch leading toward the M1 motorway, particularly on the Deák Ferenc Hárosi Duna Bridge, according to a statement from Magyar Közút Nonprofit Plc.

M0 motorway to see lane closures for 2 weeks

Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays, as the road is heavily trafficked, and longer travel times are likely during this period, Portfolio reports.

In addition to the repairs on the Deák Ferenc Bridge, further maintenance work is ongoing on other parts of the M0 motorway. On the section leading toward the M5 motorway, between kilometres 1 and 3 before the M7 junction, lane closures are in place due to a malfunction in the expansion joint structure, which may cause significant daytime traffic congestion.

m0 motorway budapest ring road traffic
Photo: MTI/Kovács Tamás

Repairs are also being carried out in the eastern sector of the M0 motorway, between Vecsés and Gyál. Here, on the side heading toward the M5 motorway, the outer and emergency lanes are closed, with traffic moving on the inner lanes of both directions. Meanwhile, in the direction of the M3 motorway, only the outer and emergency lanes are available.

Magyar Közút encourages motorists, especially during peak hours, to check the latest traffic updates on their official Útinform website before setting out. Navigation apps or community-based driving tools can also help drivers find the best routes and avoid delays.

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Attention: Detours at Keleti railway station in Budapest this weekend due to filming

Keleti railway station Budapest anniversary train

This weekend, the Keleti railway station will be the backdrop for a film shoot, leading to several temporary closures. Passengers are assigned diversion routes, which are indicated by signs.

Filming at Keleti railway station

As announced by MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) late Friday evening via MTI, the iconic Lotz Hall will be off-limits to passengers from 6 AM on Saturday, 19 October, until 8 PM on Sunday. Additionally, the platform for Track 6, from its end to the postal corridor, will be closed from 6 PM on Saturday until 4 AM on Sunday, Economx reports.

Passengers will need to follow clearly marked detour routes. The first five tracks can be accessed from Thököly Road through the hallway adjacent to the post office, according to the announcement. Tracks 6-9 in the main hall will remain accessible via the main entrance or through a passageway leading near the end of Track 6 from Thököly Road.

The Passenger Service Center will continue to operate as usual, reachable from the main entrance, the metro, and Kerepesi Road.

Keleti railway station detours filming
Detourst at Keleti railway station this weekend. Photo: MÁV

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The security level may be significantly elevated in the Budapest party district, where a foreigner was almost killed

Budapest party district
The Hungarian government promised to raise the number of officers on patrol and establish an independent police station in Budapest’s famous party district. Meanwhile, Budapest prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for four security guards who assaulted a group of Brazilian nationals at a party district club. One of the Brazilians was almost killed in the assault.

Elevated security level in Budapest party district

According to infostart.hu, Márton Nagy, Hungary’s National Economy Minister, talked about a new police station in Elizabethtown, Budapest’s 7th district, in a press conference of the Hungarian Tourism Agency this Monday. According to him, the government will increase the police presence in Budapest’s “party district”, raising the number of officers on patrol from 48 to 58.
Furthermore, they would like to establish an independent police station there. The aim is to guarantee the safety of the tourists and the locals in the so-called party district, a small area of Budapest’s 6th and 7th districts between the Small Ring Road (“Kiskörút”) and the Grand Boulevard (“Nagykörút”).

Budapest party district
Photo: FB/Péter Niedermüller

Péter Niedermüller, the district’s mayor, said they did not receive details about how many police officers the government plans to redirect there or where the new station will be.

Foreigner almost killed in Budapest’s party district

Budapest prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for four security guards who assaulted a group of Brazilian nationals at a club last summer.

According to the Budapest Prosecutor’s Office, the three Brazilian men entered the 7th district club on the night of 4 June 2023. The security guards hired by the club told them to leave, but after they continued talking, one of the defendants assaulted them with a gas spray at around 3 AM.

Two of the Brazilian men left the scene, but one stayed and made a rude gesture at the security guards, after which one of the other guards sprayed him in the face.

budapest party district fake drug dealer police
Source: Prt Sc/YouTube/
PoliceHungary

After the victim continued to make gestures at the guards, they surrounded him, one of them put him in a chokehold from behind and slammed his head into the wall of a building before dropping him on the ground. One of the other victims tried to intervene but was sprayed again and hit in the back of the head with a telescopic stun baton.

Prosecutors say the man beaten by the security guards sustained life-threatening injuries. Three of the guards have been charged with causing bodily harm resulting in life-threatening injuries and one with attempted grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for them and asking the court to ban them from working as security guards in the future.

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This Hungarian innovation may revolutionise the aviation industry

Budapest Airport Liszt Ferenc International Airport

Hungarian aviation company Fly-coop Légi Szolgáltató Ltd and the University of Pécs are partnering on a project to develop a device that can pinpoint the location of culprits who shine lasers at aircraft, the company told MTI.

The partners have won HUF 597m in support from the National R+D+I Office for the project.

Fly-coop and the university aim to produce a device, by the summer of 2026, that can be attached to aircraft, pinpoints the source of lasers and sends the location to local authorities within seconds.

Fly-coop had revenue of HUF 5.4bn in 2023, public records show.

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