Speaking at a press conference after the arrival of the flight at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, Tarkanyi said the two cities will be linked by four flights a week in June and five in July and August. Flights will be available until Oct 24, he added.

Tarkanyi noted that American Airlines launched a flight between Budapest and Philadelphia a few weeks ago.

Noting that traffic at Liszt International has grown by nearly 20 percent between 2023 and 2025 to nearly 20 million people annually, Tarkanyi said the airport's infrastructure must be improved to keep up with demand.

He said the government was committed to building a high-speed railway line linking the airport to downtown Budapest.

Responding to a question, he said EU funding for such a project would be possible in the next budgetary cycle at the earliest.

Full press release:

Air Canada has launched its Budapest-Toronto flight, which will operate five times a week during the peak season—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays—from the Hungarian capital to the Canadian metropolis, until the end of October.

Air Canada will operate the route using the wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering passengers a choice of Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, ensuring that both leisure and business travelers can find the service that best suits their needs.

The flight will operate from 6 June to 24 October 2026, between Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport, with a flight time of nine hours.

Flights depart Toronto at 7:00 p.m. local time and arrive in Budapest at 9:40 a.m. the following morning, while return flights depart the Hungarian capital at 11:45 a.m. and land in Toronto at 3:05 p.m.

Air Canada is providing 47,680 seats between the two cities during the summer season and offers excellent connections in Toronto, thereby linking Budapest with other regions of Canada, major North American cities and certain exotic destinations, such as the Caribbean, Hawaii and several South American countries.

“We are delighted to welcome Air Canada’s Budapest–Toronto flight, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated connections of this summer season by passengers, whether they are traveling for leisure or business,” said Francois Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport.

“This connection is the second direct North American destination this summer, which will further strengthen the already extremely strong overseas interest in the Hungarian capital.”

Rocky Lo, managing director, international sales, Air Canada commented: “We are thrilled to be the only carrier offering a non-stop service between Budapest and Toronto, connecting families, tourists and businesses across the Atlantic with ease. This service will also allow Hungarian customers to connect onto Air Canada’s impressive global network, notably into the U.S, the Caribbean, Central and Latin America.”

The air link is expected to attract significant interest, as it meets an existing, high level of demand; currently, nearly 90,000 passengers travel between the two countries each year.

The direct flight, offering a convenient and fast alternative, is expected to further stimulate this demand among leisure travelers — such as the popular river cruise guests — as well as among travelers visiting friends and relatives (who account for one-third of the demand), business travelers and the MICE segment (those attending conferences, incentive trips, exhibitions and other business-related events).

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.