American Airlines to Resume Budapest–Philadelphia Flight

Following more than a year of preparatory work, American Airlines has announced that it will resume its non-stop flight between Budapest and Philadelphia from May 2026 - after a 6-year hiatus. The flight, suspended during the pandemic, was very popular with both American and Hungarian passengers. The service quality of the daily Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners satisfies the needs of both leisure and business travelers, so the new connection can further strengthen Budapest's position in the business tourism market, according to a statement by Budapest Airport, the operator of the Hungarian capital's main airport.

Thus, one of the largest carriers in the world will reconnect Hungary with the United States. The launch of the flight is particularly significant, as American Airlines is the first US carrier to return and operate a direct flight to Budapest after the coronavirus pandemic. The decision is the result of more than a year of preparatory work, with the aim of reconnecting the Hungarian capital with major cities in the United States.

The flight will operate daily between May 21 and October 5, 2026 between Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The modern, 234-seater Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will depart from Budapest at 11:25 a.m. local time and arrive in Philadelphia at 3:00 p.m. (laos local time), while the return flight will depart from the American city at 6:50 p.m. and land in the Hungarian capital at 9:25 a.m. the following morning.

The aircraft will have business, premium economy and economy classes. With the resumption of the flight, American Airlines will offer 3,200 seats per week between the two cities, as well as excellent connections for passengers departing from Budapest to more than 100 other destinations in North America and the Caribbean. Philadelphia is not only a city of historical significance in the United States, but also one of American Airlines’ most important hubs. The direct flight to Budapest was already operating with a high load factor before the pandemic, so its return is not only another milestone, but also the restoration of a long-awaited route.

François Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, emphasized that “the direct flight to Philadelphia is of huge significance for tourism and trade, and I am proud to welcome American Airlines back among our airline partners. A lot of hard work and months of preparations preceded the resumption of North American flights. Budapest Airport is continuing to work hard to develop more and more destinations from Budapest, including transatlantic flights.”

José A. Freig, Vice President – International and Inflight Dining Operations stated that “the customer demand for flights to and from cities rich in culture continues to grow. We’re increasingly seeing customers flock to cities they can immerse themselves in centuries of heritage, exploring history and culture beyond anything experienced before. With this route, our customers in Hungary will also have access to one of our fastest growing U.S. hubs in Philadelphia, from where they can explore more than 100 destinations in the U.S and beyond.”