“This is the first time that such a prestigious and fast growing carrier, recently voted third best in the world at the World Airline Awards, will operate to this region. This is a great success story for Hungary.

Qatar Airways clearly can see the significant developments we are making at the airport and will now be an integral part of our future plans”, said Jost Lammers, the chief executive officer of Budapest Airport, who personally traveled to the airline’s head office in 2009 for a meeting with the Qatar Airways CEO - Akbar Al Baker to start the process of getting Budapest in to their network plans.

Qatar Airways is the first of the large Arabian carriers to opt for a service to the East-Central Europe region. As of 17th January next year, passengers will be able to fly from Budapest to Doha, with a brief stop on the return leg in Bucharest which will also further enhance aerial relations with Hungary’s eastern neighbor.

Budapest Airport restructured its aviation business unit less than a year ago, including placing more emphasis on route development. With Qatar Airways, the new organization has reached its biggest success to date.

Director aviation Kam Jandu said that the presence of Qatar Airways in the region means a great deal not only for Budapest Airport but also for the city of Budapest and Hungary. “Connecting Hungary to the fastest growing network in the Gulf region is a significant step in our airline acquisition strategy, with passengers set to enjoy the benefits in the form of easy and faster access to Asia and Australia.

The Budapest Airport Airline Development team have worked tirelessly to secure Qatar Airways and we are delighted to see the effort rewarded”.

Qatar Airways will arrive at Budapest Airport for the first time on 17 January 2011 with an Airbus A320 aircraft and from then on will fly four times a week directly between the Hungarian and the Qatari capital."

Source: Budapest Airport