Direct American Airlines route expected to ease travel, strengthen business links, and expand US visitor numbers.

The restart of a direct flight between Budapest and Philadelphia after a six-year hiatus is excellent news for both Hungarian tourism and the business sector, said Olivér Csendes, CEO of Visit Hungary Zrt., in an interview with TV2’s Mokka programme on Wednesday.

Csendes outlined medium- and long-term goals for the service, which will initially operate seasonally from May to October in its first year. He expressed hope that strong passenger numbers would persuade American Airlines to make the route year-round, and that other carriers might follow by offering direct flights from additional US cities to Budapest.

Nearly 400,000 American tourists visit Hungary annually, and the CEO noted that the new route should make travel easier, more predictable, and potentially less expensive. He said US visitors are particularly drawn to Hungary’s architectural heritage, cultural attractions, wine regions, and Danube river cruises.

The daily service will depart Budapest at 11:25 and arrive in Philadelphia at 15:00 local time, returning in the evening to reach Liszt Ferenc International Airport at 09:25 the following day. Csendes highlighted that Philadelphia is one of American Airlines’ largest hubs, offering 100 direct connections across the United States — effectively opening up all of North America to travellers from Hungary.