Ferenc Csabai, COO of Itaka Magyarország, revealed that the inaugural flight departed with an exceptional 99.5% load factor, heavily validating regional demand despite recent geopolitical tremors that briefly slowed early spring bookings.

The direct connection will continue to operate every Saturday until September 19, offering a total capacity of over 2,300 seats for the summer season.

A Major Milestone for Hévíz-Balaton Airport

Attila Benkő, the managing director of Hévíz-Balaton Airport (located in Sármellék), emphasized that the Antalya route marks a critical symbolic and practical milestone, serving as the airport's first outbound charter service in over a decade.

While the regional hub has successfully maintained inbound tourism traffic — such as regular holiday charters arriving from Dresden, Germany—the launch of outbound leisure flights opens a new chapter in decentralized Hungarian aviation.

The airport operates as a smaller, streamlined alternative to Budapest’s chaotic peak-season traffic. According to airport management and Itaka, the destination was strategically targeted to serve travelers across Western Transdanubia, the wider Balaton region, Southern Hungary, and border communities.

For these vacationers, utilizing Sármellék eliminates the multi-hour drive, high parking fees, and heavy logistical stress associated with departing from Budapest, Vienna, or Bratislava.

To further incentivize local travelers, Hévíz-Balaton Airport and Itaka are offering free parking on-site for the duration of the trip.

Combined with faster security check-in times and fewer crowds, local officials hope the successful launch paves the way for the facility to establish itself as a permanent, reliable charter hub for western Hungary.

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.