Ticket prices have soared, yet Hungarians are still flying: where are they travelling most?

Although airline ticket prices to many major European cities have risen by double digits this autumn, Hungarian travellers have not been deterred. According to fresh data from Repjegy.hu, demand continues to strengthen, and the list of the most popular destinations has shifted noticeably – especially in favour of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cities.

Istanbul’s remarkable rise

One of the biggest surprises of the season is that Istanbul has become the second most sought-after destination among Hungarian individual travellers, overtaking London. Demand for the Turkish metropolis has increased by 35%, driven partly by its favourable value for money and the growing popularity of sightseeing long weekend trips, Népszava reports.

Rome also remains firmly in the top ranks, despite the fact that flights there have become on average 22% more expensive. Similar price increases can be seen for Brussels (+31%), Milan (+30%), London (+18%) and Naples (+11%).

• Ryanair CEO’s crash with Austria could lead to new Budapest routes

Bari and Catania among the major winners

Two southern Italian cities have surged onto the list of top autumn bookings:

• Bari: +89% increase in demand
• Catania: +64% increase in demand

Both now rank ahead of Berlin and New York. This marks a clear preference among Hungarian travellers for sunnier, coastal destinations, even for shorter trips.

Shorter city breaks – Except in London

For most European destinations, the average length of stay has decreased. For example:

• Istanbul: down from 4.5 to 4.1 days on average
• Milan and Berlin continue to be typical “lightning trips,” with stays of under 3 days

London is the notable exception: Hungarian travellers are now staying an average of 5.3 days, nearly one full day longer than before.