Flying to Hungary

General Information

Of the few airports in the country, only three have significant traffic and an international role. By far the busiest is Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport, handling just over 9 million passengers annually (9.156 million in 2014) for scheduled flights or (for Hungarian travellers) charter flights to "sun destinations". Its status as the "capital airport", its role as a base for the low-cost airline Wizz Air, and the fact that many European tourists fly into the Hungarian capital for weekends or very short stays in the country all contribute to its dominance. Far behind are Debrecen Airport, with around 150,000 passengers per year and a few charter flights and Wizz Air services, and Hévíz-Balaton Airport (30,000 passengers), which serves Lake Balaton and its "resorts".

Note that depending on your itinerary, airports in neighbouring countries like Vienna, Bratislava, or even Zagreb may offer an alternative for flying into the region.

Types of Flights

Local Airlines

After the demise of the national carrier, Malév, in 2012, Hungary has few passenger airlines of its own. Aside from a handful of charter companies (CityLine Hungary, Travel Service Hungary) and Solyom Hungarian Airways, which was founded a few years ago but has yet to begin operations, the only one is Wizz Air. This dynamic low-cost airline, launched in 2003, is one of Europe’s major players, serving over a hundred cities at competitive prices.

Charters, Scheduled, and Low-Cost Flights

Promotions and Special Offers

From France

While Hungary’s air links with France (or more precisely, Paris) are the country’s second most frequent in terms of flights (over forty weekly), direct options remain somewhat limited. This is especially true for travellers from outside Paris, who will almost always need to connect via the capital or another major "air hub". Direct flights between the two capitals take roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, with return fares ranging from 100 to 250 €.

Paris-Beauvais: Budapest (Ryanair), Debrecen (Wizz Air)

Paris Orly: Budapest (Transavia)

Paris Charles de Gaulle: Budapest (Air France + easyJet)

Also...

Mulhouse/Basel: Budapest (easyJet)

Nice: Budapest (Wizz Air)

Choosing Your Flight

As with most intra-European flights, it’s best to prioritise direct connections (especially low-cost ones) when available, particularly from Paris. Some connecting flights can take a long time to reach your destination, often with savings that aren’t particularly significant. Note that depending on your itinerary, airports in neighbouring countries (Vienna, Bratislava, or even Zagreb) may offer a viable alternative for flying into the region.

From the Rest of Europe

As the capital, Budapest is relatively well connected to major European cities via both traditional and low-cost airlines (easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, etc.). Additionally, there are charter flights and seasonal services catering to Hungarian travellers heading to Southern Europe or Mediterranean holiday spots.

Belgium

Brussels: Budapest (Brussels Airlines)

Charleroi: Budapest (Ryanair + Wizz Air), Debrecen (Wizz Air)

Switzerland

Basel/Mulhouse: Budapest (easyJet)

Geneva: Budapest (easyJet)

Zurich: Budapest (Swiss), Hévíz-Balaton (InterSky, seasonal)