Ryanair adds 11th based aircraft in Budapest for Summer 2026

International

US$1.1bn investment supports 6.5 million seats and 67 routes, including five new services

Ryanair has announced the addition of an 11th based aircraft at Budapest for the Summer 2026 season, bringing its total investment at the airport to US$1.1bn. The expanded fleet allocation will underpin a record summer schedule, offering 6.5 million annual seats across 67 routes. Five new destinations – Dubrovnik, Krakow, Lamezia-Terme, Marrakesh, and Newcastle – are being introduced as part of the programme.

According to the airline, the increased capacity will support more than 4,600 local jobs, including over 330 pilot and cabin crew positions.

Growth linked to aviation tax policy

Ryanair attributes the latest expansion to the Hungarian Government’s decision to abolish aviation taxes. Since the policy change, the carrier reports traffic growth of 15 percent at Budapest, alongside increased connectivity for Hungarian travellers and inbound visitors.

“Ryanair is delighted to announce the addition of an 11th aircraft to our Budapest base for Summer 2026, bringing our total investment at the airport to US$1.1bn,” said Jason McGuinness, Chief Commercial Officer of Ryanair. “This year, Ryanair will operate a record 6.5 million seats across 67 routes, including five exciting new routes.”

Concerns over rising airport charges

Despite the expansion, Ryanair expressed concern over successive increases in airport charges at Budapest. The airline states that fees have risen by 10 percent since 2024, which it argues could impact future growth.

Ryanair has called on the Hungarian Government, as majority owner of Budapest Airport, to introduce measures aimed at maintaining competitive operating costs. The airline indicated that lower charges could enable further investment, including additional aircraft and increased annual traffic.

Promotional seat sale launched

To mark the fleet expansion and new routes, Ryanair has launched a three-day seat sale offering 100,000 seats at fares starting from 11,500 HUF. The promotion is available via the Ryanair app.