American Airlines Adds Hungary to New Scenic, Culinary Tourism Corridors

(BUDAPEST) American Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Budapest (BUD) and Philadelphia (PHL) on May 21, 2026, restoring a key transatlantic link suspended during the pandemic. Tickets go on sale August 11, 2025. The summer-only service runs through October 5, 2026, using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Hungary joins new routes to the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Argentina, and Japan as the carrier widens its global network. Officials say this move will boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange while offering smoother access to more than 100 onward destinations across North America and the Caribbean.

What the airline announced and why it matters

• The daily Budapest–Philadelphia flights will offer about 3,200 seats per week.
• The aircraft carries 234 passengers per flight, helping meet strong summer travel demand.
• Philadelphia is a major hub for American Airlines, which means travelers from Budapest can connect the same day to cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and island destinations.
• The route highlights travel corridors focused on heritage, culinary, and scenic trips. Many travelers visit family roots in Central Europe or explore food and wine in both regions.

Key voices in Hungary

• Márton Nagy, Hungary’s Minister for National Economy, called the route a milestone for ties with the United States and a boost for jobs, investment, and tourism. He said the government will keep working on new direct links.
• François Berisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, said the route strengthens Budapest’s role as a major European gateway.
• Olivér Csendes, CEO of Visit Hungary, said the link helps confirm Budapest as a fast-growing city break.

How to book — step by step

1. From August 11, 2025, go to the American Airlines website or app.
2. Search for Budapest (BUD) → Philadelphia (PHL) for travel between May 21 and October 5, 2026.
3. Choose your dates, confirm your seat, and add bags or special needs if required.
4. For onward trips, use the same system to connect to over 100 destinations in North America and the Caribbean.

What travelers should plan for

• Summer flights sell fast. Book early for school breaks and major events.
• Check passport validity. Many countries require at least six months’ validity on entry.
• Review visa needs before buying tickets:
  • Hungarian citizens who qualify may travel under the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA. Others will need the correct visa.
  • U.S. citizens flying to Hungary can enter visa-free for short stays, but should confirm entry rules.
• For official U.S. entry rules, including ESTA and visa categories, consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for Hungary at travel.state.gov.

Important: Book early, confirm passport validity, and check visa/ESTA requirements well before travel dates.

Visa and immigration pointers — common scenarios

• Tourist or family visit:
  • Hungarian citizens who meet Visa Waiver Program rules can apply for ESTA online.
  • If you don’t qualify, you’ll need a B-2 visitor visa.
  • U.S. citizens visiting Hungary typically don’t need a visa for short stays.
• Business travel:
  • Short business trips may be possible with ESTA or a B-1 visa, depending on the case.
  • Bring an invitation letter and proof of ties to your home country.
• Students:
  • If admitted to a U.S. school, apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa after receiving your school form (I-20). Keep the I-20 safe and carry it when you travel.
• Work transfers:
  • Employer-sponsored applicants should follow their company’s legal guidance for visa petitions and consular appointments.

Important security and documents tips

• Keep these items handy:
  • Passport
  • Visa or ESTA approval
  • Return ticket
  • Proof of funds
• At U.S. entry, be ready to explain your trip purpose, length of stay, and where you’ll stay.
• If transiting Philadelphia to another U.S. city:
  • You must clear U.S. immigration and customs in Philadelphia.
  • You may need to recheck your bag for the onward flight.

Wider route expansion and what it means

American Airlines also plans new links (2025–2026) to:
– Prague (Czech Republic)
– Athens (Greece)
– Rome (Italy)
– Zurich (Switzerland)
– Buenos Aires (Argentina)
– Tokyo (Japan)

The airline is responding to strong demand for trips tied to heritage, food, and scenery. This helps families visit home regions, students study abroad, and businesses reach new partners.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, carriers often rebuild transatlantic schedules in phases, matching aircraft availability with summer peaks. Budapest’s inclusion signals the city’s steady rise in demand and its role as a regional hub for both leisure and business travelers.

Economic and community impacts

• Tourism:
  • Expect more American visitors in Budapest hotels, restaurants, and cultural sites.
  • Local guides, festivals, and museums may see higher numbers, especially during summer.
• Trade and business:
  • Nonstop links can speed deal-making; executives save hours, supporting new investments and meetings.
• Culture and education:
  • Direct flights make student exchanges and arts programs easier to plan.
  • Cities in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic may deepen ties with Hungarian institutions.

What officials and industry will watch next

• Load factors: How full each flight runs, week by week. Strong demand could support a longer season or larger aircraft.
• Operations: On-time performance and smooth connections in Philadelphia will be important.
• Future routes: Talks continue about additional U.S.–Hungary links. A second U.S. gateway or longer season could follow if demand holds.

Helpful timelines and planning checks

Official reference for U.S. entry rules

For visa categories, interview scheduling, and entry rules, consult the U.S. Department of State’s official travel information at Travel.State.Gov to confirm whether you need ESTA or a visa and how to apply.

Real-world example

A Hungarian family in Budapest plans a three-week summer trip to Philadelphia, then on to Orlando and San Juan:

1. They book the nonstop to Philadelphia.
2. They clear U.S. immigration in Philadelphia, then connect onward the same day.
3. The parents apply for ESTA well before travel, keep printed approvals, and carry hotel bookings and return flight details.
4. On arrival, a U.S. officer asks about the trip plan and return date; the family shows their documents and continues without delay.

What this means for travelers in Budapest and Philadelphia

• For residents of Budapest, the route gives a simple path to the U.S. East Coast and beyond, without a change in another European city.
• For people in Philadelphia, the link opens easy access to the Danube, thermal baths, and historic neighborhoods, and improves onward connections across Central and Eastern Europe.
• American Airlines expects steady demand as families, students, and small businesses use the nonstop.

Final takeaways

• Daily Budapest–Philadelphia service returns May 21, 2026.
• Tickets go on sale August 11, 2025 through American Airlines channels.
• Expect stronger tourism, new business links, and easier cultural exchange.
• Check passport validity and confirm whether you need ESTA or a visa before you book.
• Build extra time for connections and keep key documents ready at all times.

For booking and schedule information, visit American Airlines directly at aa.com.