A New Chapter in Hungarian–Saudi Arabian Relations
Edited by Anna Popper
On 1 July 2026, Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport welcomed a new airline and a new long-haul destination as Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, Flynas, inaugurated its first direct flight between Riyadh and Budapest. The arrival of the Airbus A320neo marked a milestone not only for aviation but also for the steadily expanding diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Following the landing of the inaugural flight, an official ceremony was held, bringing together Budapest Airport management, representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Budapest, the flynas delegation, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests to celebrate the launch of the new connection.
After welcoming the official flynas delegation led by Sultan Al-Khaldi, Sales Director at Flynas, a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the aircraft with the participation of the airline delegation, Budapest Airport representatives, distinguished guests and the flight crew, symbolically marking the opening of the new direct air link between Budapest and Riyadh.
The ceremony was followed by an official press conference.
Addressing the audience, François Bérisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, described the new route to Riyadh as another important milestone in the airport’s development strategy. He emphasized that this was the fourth new intercontinental destination added to Budapest Airport’s route network this year, following the launch of services to Philadelphia, Toronto and Seoul. He stressed that the new route further strengthens air connectivity between Central Europe and the Middle East, while simultaneously creating fresh opportunities for tourism, business, trade and investment. The connection also enhances Budapest’s global connectivity by offering passengers convenient onward connections via Riyadh to an extensive international network. Beyond passenger services, Bérisot also highlighted the route’s potential to support cargo transport and strengthen commercial links between the two regions.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Majid bin Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Hungary, described the inaugural flight as a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hungary:
“Esteemed Executive Chief Officer of Budapest Airport, Mr. Francois Bérisot, Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate the inauguration of the FLYNAS direct flight between Budapest and Riyadh. This remarkable step marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hungary. It will certainly boost commerce, tourism, cultural exchange, and cooperation between our countries.
At the economic level. This direct connection opens up substantial opportunities. On one hand, it supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts toward economic diversification within Vision 2030. On the other hand, Hungary’s strategic location, competitive economy, and business environments make it an ideal partner.
This flight opens doors on both sides. Hungarian companies can explore the enormous potential of the Gulf market, while Saudi entrepreneurs and investors gain access to Hungary’s advanced innovation sector and its strategic European position.
On the tourism and cultural exchange level. Hungarian travelers discover Saudi Arabia’s blend of ancient heritage and stunning landscapes – from cosmopolitan Riyadh to historic Jeddah, the Red Sea beaches, and the vast deserts. Visitors also experience the warmth and genuine hospitality that defines Saudi culture.
Similarly, Saudi travelers experience Hungary’s rich history and culture – from Budapest’s magnificent architecture and thermal baths to the beauty of the Danube and the charming countryside, along with the warmth of the Hungarian people. This exchange of visitors will do more than boost tourism. It will create understanding and build friendships between our peoples. Such connections are the foundation of lasting partnership between countries.
This step also reflects our shared vision. Both our countries value innovation, cultural heritage, and citizen prosperity. Hungary and Saudi Arabia are bridges: Hungary connects East and West in Europe, while Saudi Arabia connects continents. Together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
In conclusion, I extend my sincere thanks to the Hungarian Government, to Budapest Airport, and to Flynas Airlines for making this vision a reality. Thank you very much, köszönöm szépen, and shukran jazeelan.”
From the airline’s perspective, Sultan Al-Khaldi, Flynas Sales Director and Head of the flynas delegation, highlighted that the route to Budapest forms part of flynas’ broader strategy to expand international connectivity and strengthen its presence in Europe. He pointed out that passengers travelling via Riyadh can easily connect to major Saudi cities such as Jeddah, Medina and Dammam, as well as numerous international destinations. He added that the new service will provide travellers departing from Budapest with convenient access not only to destinations across Saudi Arabia, but also to countries including India, Pakistan and Ethiopia, reinforcing Riyadh’s growing role as an international aviation hub.
Founded in 2007, flynas has grown into one of the leading low-cost airlines in the Middle East and continues to expand its international network. The new service further strengthens connectivity between Central Europe and the Middle East, creating new opportunities for business, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
Al-Khaldi noted that flynas currently operates a fleet of 74 aircraft and plans to expand this to around 260 aircraft by 2030, including Airbus A320neo and A330neo models, reflecting the airline’s ambitious long-term growth strategy.
The seasonal service will operate three times a week – on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – from July until the end of September. During this initial operating period, the airline plans to offer around 15,000 seats on the Budapest–Riyadh route. The new direct connection shortens the travel time between the two capitals to around four and a half hours.
The Head of the flynas delegation expressed his appreciation to Budapest Airport and all project partners for their close cooperation, which made the launch of the new route possible. He added that the airline expects strong demand from both Hungarian and Saudi travellers.
The celebrations concluded with a traditional cake-cutting, where representatives of flynas, Budapest Airport, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and distinguished guests honoured the historic occasion in a warm atmosphere.
With Budapest joining flynas’ expanding Central European route network, alongside Vienna, Prague and Kraków, the new service enhances Hungary’s international air connectivity while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
More than simply adding another destination to Budapest’s route map, the launch of the Budapest–Riyadh service represents a tangible investment in closer relations between Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By bringing people, businesses and institutions closer together, the new air bridge is expected to contribute to stronger bilateral cooperation and deeper mutual understanding for many years to come.
Sources: Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Budapest; bud.hu
Photos from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Budapest; and bud.hu
