Budapest Airport, operated by VINCI Airports, has celebrated the return of easyJet’s twice-weekly service connecting Budapest and Lyon, also part of VINCI Airports’ network. Last operated pre-pandemic, the resumption of the link between these two captivating cities will serve the airport’s rising tourism demand to and from France.

Offering more than 2,500 two-way monthly seats, with no direct competition, the relaunch is already expected to see potential increased frequencies as demand grows. Tourism between France and Hungary continues to flourish, with 193,000 French tourists visiting Budapest in 2023 – 7% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Máté Ritter, Head of Airline Development, Budapest Airport, expressed enthusiasm for the return of the BUD-LYS route: “In 2023 alone, there were 22,000 transfer passengers travelling indirectly between Lyon and Budapest, making it one of BUD’s largest indirect city-pairs in Europe. The proximity of Lyon to the French Alps, renowned for its ski resorts, is expected to attract Hungarian skiers, boosting demand for the route.” Ritter added: “Lyon becomes easyJet’s fourth destination from Budapest, alongside successful routes to London Gatwick, Basel, and Geneva. This new route illustrates the strength of VINCI Airports’ network. Furthermore, beginning in October, the airline will resume its popular Budapest to Paris Charles de Gaulle route, offering four weekly flights to enhance travel options between Hungary’s capital and the French metropolis.”