Air Canada has officially launched a new direct service between Toronto and Budapest, a move Hungarian officials say represents a significant step forward in strengthening transportation links between Hungary and North America.
Speaking at a ceremony following the arrival of the inaugural flight at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Saturday, State Secretary for Transport and Investments Zsolt Tárkányi said the new route reflects the growing importance of Hungary’s transatlantic connections.
The seasonal service will operate until 24 October. Flights will initially run four times per week before increasing to five weekly services during July and August. Tárkányi noted that the launch follows the recent introduction of American Airlines’ direct Budapest–Philadelphia route, highlighting a broader expansion of North American air connectivity.
According to the state secretary, increasing international interest in Budapest and Hungary is also evident in the airport’s performance. Passenger traffic approached 20 million travellers last year, representing growth of approximately 20 per cent compared with 2023.
Tárkányi emphasized that continued growth will require major infrastructure developments. Among the government’s priorities is the creation of a rail connection between Budapest city centre and the airport, integrated into the national railway network. He said the project would provide fast and convenient access to the airport not only for residents of the capital but also for passengers travelling from other parts of the country, while reducing road congestion around Budapest.
Responding to questions from journalists, Tárkányi said the government’s immediate focus remains on securing the release of European Union funding by the end of August. Potential EU financing for the proposed airport rail link could be considered during the bloc’s next budget cycle. Current plans envision a branch line from Hungary’s main railway corridor to the airport, including an underground section serving the terminal area.
Budapest Airport CEO François Berisot described the new Toronto route as a major milestone for the airport. He noted that, through Air Canada’s network, passengers departing from Budapest will gain easier access not only to Canada but also to numerous destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, and South America.
Berisot pointed out that following the launch of the Budapest–Philadelphia service, Toronto has become the second direct North American destination available from Budapest during the summer schedule.
Nearly 90,000 passengers travel annually between Hungary and Canada, and airport officials expect the new direct service to further increase demand. Berisot added that Budapest Airport is working alongside the Hungarian government on a long-term development programme aimed at delivering world-class services and infrastructure.
Rocky Lo, Air Canada’s Director of International Sales, stressed that the route connects not only two cities but also links Central Europe with one of Canada’s most important economic and cultural centres. Through Toronto, passengers can access more than 48 destinations across Canada and over 100 destinations throughout North America via convenient connections. At the same time, the service offers Canadian travellers a direct gateway to Hungary and the wider region.
Canadian Ambassador to Hungary François Lafreniere highlighted the already strong relationship between the two countries and said the renewed air link would further strengthen tourism, business cooperation, and personal ties with Canada’s Hungarian diaspora, estimated at around 350,000 people.
The ambassador also noted the symbolic significance of the route’s return during the 70th anniversary year of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Following the uprising, Canada received one of the largest waves of Hungarian immigrants in its history.
Several speakers at the launch event also underlined the potential benefits for tourism, particularly river cruising along the Danube, which remains one of the most popular attractions among overseas visitors.
The route is operated using Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering passengers a choice of three travel classes.
The airline’s subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, previously operated direct flights between Toronto and Budapest from 2016 to 2019. The new service marks the return of a direct connection between the two cities after several years and is expected to further strengthen economic, cultural, and tourism links between Hungary and Canada.
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