2026-10-28
Image: MalevBlueNose / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
What happened?
According to a Ryanair press release dated 28 October 2026, the airline is adding a 12th based aircraft at Budapest for its winter 2026 schedule. The stated investment totals $1.2bn and the schedule covers 54 routes.
The new routes
Ryanair says eight new destinations join the Budapest network: East Midlands, Gdańsk, Gothenburg, Kraków, Lamezia, Turin, Venice and Warsaw.
Numbers from the release
- Ryanair expects 6% growth to 6 million passengers a year at Budapest.
- The airline says the schedule supports over 4,800 jobs, including more than 360 pilot and cabin crew roles.
- Ryanair says its Hungarian traffic has risen 17% since aviation taxes were abolished in January 2025.
The airline's message to the airport
Ryanair says Budapest Airport charges have risen more than 10% since 2024. It states that if charges become competitive it would grow Hungarian traffic by more than 65% to over 10 million passengers a year (Budapest, Balaton, Debrecen). This is the airline's position, not a confirmed plan.
What it means for travellers
The release also mentions a three-day seat sale with fares from HUF 7,250, bookable via the Ryanair app or website. Check dates, schedules and the total price (bags, extras) before booking.
Photo is illustrative: a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 at Budapest airport (2018), not the new routes. Source: Ryanair, 28 October 2026.
