After years of absence, Budapest will once again have a direct air link to North America. Starting 21 May 2026, American Airlines will resume its nonstop service between the Hungarian capital and Philadelphia—its first direct route to Budapest since the Covid-19 pandemic grounded transatlantic travel.

The daily service will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering business, premium economy, and economy cabins. Departing Budapest at 11:25 and arriving in Philadelphia at 15:00 local time, the route will provide 3,200 seats weekly and open access to more than 100 destinations across the US and the Caribbean via American Airlines’ East Coast hub.

For Budapest, the return of this route is both a symbolic and practical milestone. Before the pandemic, the Budapest–Philadelphia connection consistently achieved high load factors, serving both leisure travelers and business passengers. Its revival marks American Airlines’ return as the first US carrier to operate direct flights to Hungary since 2020.

François Berisot, CEO of Budapest Airport, called the move “a huge significance for tourism and trade,” noting that more than a year of preparation went into securing the return of North American service. José A. Freig of American Airlines emphasized that demand for culturally rich destinations is growing, and Philadelphia offers Hungarian travelers a gateway to explore much more of the United States.

The route will run through 5 October 2026 as part of the summer schedule, with tickets going on sale from 11 August 2025. For Hungarian travelers, it’s not just the restoration of a long-missed connection—it’s a direct bridge to the heart of the United States and beyond.