The predictable passing of Malév triggered rapid expansion announcements from both Ryanair and Wizz Air. SmartWings, Air Berlin and others have added flights, with more low cost carriers positioned to pounce. All good for budget travelers as prices are driven down via increased competition. More consumer choice is usually good, but given the economic climate will it be a no frills future for the Hungarian airline market?


The curt closure of one of Europe’s oldest airlines is sad news for some, particularly 7,000+ stranded passengers and 2000+ employees of the Hungarian flag carrier. Industry experience indicates, and as current events are demonstrating, the majority of services handled by Malév will soon be taken over by existing airlines; and new carriers ready to gamble on niche routes from Budapest.

Malév stopped operations after 66 years of flying this morning at 6am CET, Friday 3 February. A company announcement explained the shutdown was due to the airline being unable to finance advance payments to its service partners who had “lost trust” in the Hungarian national carrier. XpatLoop.com was invited to a special event in Budapest today where a Ryanair 'rescue plan for Budapest and Hungarian tourism' , was revealed to deal with the crisis resulting from the collapse of Malév - 31 new routes to and from Hungary have been announced with fares from EURO 9.99. Also today a bold statement was made about WizzAir plans to invest USD 100 million into expanding its operations in Budapest.

Following the grounding of Malév today Ryanair announced that it intends to launch 'a rescue plan' for Hungarian air travel and tourism. Ryanair confirmed that it will base 4 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Budapest Airport commencing Friday 17th February. Fares will start from EURO 9.99 (approx. HUF2,999), the routes aim to deliver up to 2 million passengers per year. Ryanair is still in discussions with the airport and the Hungarian government to finalise the plan which aims to save around 2,000 jobs, and replace most of the traffic and routes lost due to the collapse of the national carrier.

Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would invest HUF 25 billion (USD 100m) into expanding its operations in Budapest. As of March 2012, the airline will add two Airbus A320 aircraft to its Budapest base, a 66% increase in overall capacity. The airline says one result will be 700 new jobs.

"Budapest Airport is continously operating despite the suspension of Malév's flights. We are working to ensure that passengers with Malév tickets shall arrive to their destination by rebooking on other airlines.

Wizz Air, the largest low fare – low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would provide a special rescue package to passengers impacted by the suspension of Malev’s operations by offering re-routing alternatives to/from Budapest.

"Every Saturday guests are invited to ICON the restaurant to select their own 3 course lunch for only HUF 6940 based on the menu of the day. This rate includes 3 selected courses, mineral water, soft drink, coffee or tea. Children are welcome to enjoy kids' menu at a favorable rate.

Official Statement: "Based on the Board of Directors’ decision Hungary’s National Airline ceased its operation to minimize its losses. According to this statement, after nearly 66 years of continuous operation, Malév aircrafts will not depart from 6am on 03 February 2012.

Tickets are now available for the International Circus Festival, held in Budapest for the 9th time. The Festival is a unique celebration of circus arts, providing fantastic entertainment for audiences and a serious competition for the professionals participating between 2-6 February 2012. Once again the organisers aim to present the best International and Hungarian circus artists, and say they are proud that Budapest is establishing itself as a circus city.

"Budapest Airport would like to thank the patience and understanding of all Malév-passengers who from 05.00 hours this morning have been cooperating with both Malév and Budapest Airport staff after the grounding of the national airline.

"A total of 1,238,000 ethnic Hungarians live in Romania, making up 6.5% of the population, the Romanian Statistics Institute announced on Thursday.

"Magyar Posta and the Swedish Post are planning a joint stamp issue in May 2012 in honour of the centenary of the birth of Raoul Wallenberg. The joint stamp issue will coincide with the opening of a special thematic exhibition in the Stamp Museum in Budapest entitled “Rescuers”.

"Budapest should tighten its belt if it is to bail out the public transport company BKV, Fifth District mayor Antal Rogán said in a statement issued on Thursday. Rogán, a Fidesz MP, said Budapest did not provide one forint of operational support to the transport company in 2010 and 2011, while the government gave it over Ft 140 billion in subsidies.

The 15th 'Big' Burns Supper, held last Saturday at the Corinthia, raised almost HUF 5 million for children’s hospitals in Hungary. This traditional Caledonian event, held annually around the world, recalls the words and deeds of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Feedback from guest was positive, "This is a great example of how generous the Scots are, it's a top class evening," said Patrick McMenamin to XpatLoop.com as he enjoyed a glass of Scotch at the WhiskyNet.hu tasting table.

"The cabinet stepped in to save Malév from creditors yesterday morning, shortly before CEO Lóránt Limburger announced that the state airline did not have the funds to continue operations beyond Tuesday. The cabinet declared Malév to be a company of strategic importance, meaning that creditors cannot initiate its liquidation.

"This time on a new venue in Budapest, 5 district Szabadság tér (square). The best licensed traditional small-scale producers and product vendors bring their excellent goods which you can taste freshly made on the spot accompanied by high-class wine and pálinka. On the stage light music and folk music programs are going to change each other entertaining guests."

"The Blue Note show repertoire is a selection of music from Nigel Kennedy's celebrated Blue Note Session album and music from the height of the Blue Note era (classic blue note material from the late 60’s / early 70’s period) and would be played by the The Nigel Kennedy Quintet.

"A total of 48 performances will be held at 15 locations at the Budapest Spring Festival during March 16-26, executive director of organiser Budapest Festival Centre Zsófia Vitézy told reporters recently. John Malkovich starring in a play as a serial killer will be the highlight of the festival, Magyar Nemzet observes.

"Everyone is welcome – the lectures are open to all. Attend only a few or the whole series. No need to register in advance. Come when you can! For guests: the cost is HUF 2,500 per lecture. Just buy a ticket at the lobby cashier right before the lecture - ask for a “Docent Program Sculpture Lecture Ticket”. You do not need to pay for entry to the Museum in addition. After the lecture, please feel free to use this ticket to enjoy all the galleries in the permanent collection.

Attila Ambrus, the man who gained fame as the “Whisky Robber” in the 1990s, was released from prison this Tuesday. Ambrus stole a total of Ft 196 million from 28 banks, post offices and travel agencies from January 23, 1993 and October 18, 1999 after moving from Transylvania to Hungary.