Flight Delayed in Hungary? Know Your Rights & Claim Compensation

Understanding Flight Delays in Hungary

Hungary, a stunning European destination with a rich cultural heritage, is a key transit hub for travelers. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) serves as the primary gateway to the country, while other airports such as Debrecen (DEB) and Hévíz-Balaton (SOB) handle regional and international traffic. However, flight delays are a common inconvenience, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.

If your flight was delayed in Hungary, you may have the right to financial compensation under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. Depending on the duration of the delay and the flight distance, airlines may owe you up to €600 per passenger.

What Causes Flight Delays in Hungary?

Flight delays can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Adverse Weather Conditions

Hungary experiences hot summers and cold winters, often with heavy fog, thunderstorms, or snow affecting flight schedules. Budapest Airport, being a busy hub, sometimes struggles with poor visibility, leading to delays.

2. Airline Operational Issues

Airlines frequently suffer from staffing shortages, technical malfunctions, and scheduling conflicts. These operational problems can lead to long delays, often without proper communication to passengers.

3. Air Traffic Congestion

Budapest Airport handles millions of passengers annually, making it prone to air traffic control restrictions. If congestion increases, flights may be held at the gate or in the air, causing significant disruptions.

4. Security Concerns

Unexpected security incidents, stricter border checks, or airline-specific security measures can result in delays, especially for flights heading to or from non-Schengen destinations.

5. Strikes and Industrial Actions

Air traffic controller strikes, baggage handler walkouts, or pilot protests can cause widespread flight disruptions across Hungary. If the airline staff is on strike, your flight might be severely delayed or even canceled.

Am I Entitled to Compensation for a Flight Delay in Hungary?

If your flight was delayed for more than 3 hours upon arrival and was not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather or air traffic control strikes), you are likely eligible for compensation under EU261.

Here’s how much you can claim based on flight distance:

This applies to all flights departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU with a European carrier. Since Hungary is part of the EU, these rights protect all passengers flying from Budapest or other Hungarian airports.

What to Do if Your Flight is Delayed in Hungary

If you're stuck at the airport due to a long delay, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Get Official Confirmation of the Delay

Ask the airline for a written statement or check the airport departure boards. Screenshots and boarding passes are also useful as proof.

2. Keep All Travel Documents

Hold on to your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and luggage tags. These will be needed when filing a claim.

3. Request Free Meals and Refreshments

If your flight is delayed for more than two hours, the airline must provide food and drinks. If they fail to do so, keep your receipts and request reimbursement later.

4. Demand Accommodation for Overnight Delays

If your flight is postponed to the next day, the airline must arrange hotel accommodation and transport to and from the airport.

5. Check Your Compensation Eligibility

Don’t let the airline convince you that you’re not entitled to compensation! Use our free eligibility checker and claim your rightful money.

Alternative Airports in Hungary – A Smart Backup Plan

If your flight is heavily delayed or canceled, consider rebooking from an alternative airport. Here are some options:

1. Debrecen International Airport (DEB)

Located in eastern Hungary, Debrecen Airport serves several European routes, including flights with Wizz Air. It’s a great alternative if flights from Budapest are disrupted. How to get there? Take a train from Budapest-Keleti station to Debrecen in around 2 hours.

2. Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Although in Austria, Vienna Airport is only a 2.5-hour drive from Budapest. Many travelers use this as a backup if Budapest flights are delayed. Flixbus operates direct routes between the two cities, making it an easy switch.

3. Košice International Airport (KSC)

Situated in Slovakia, Košice Airport is a convenient option for eastern Hungary travelers. The train from Budapest to Košice takes around 3.5 hours, offering another escape route for disrupted flights.

If you’re facing a major delay, check these alternatives to see if you can reach your destination faster via another route.

How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation in Hungary?

The claim process may seem complex, but we make it simple for you:

1. Check if you’re eligible – It takes only 2 minutes to verify your claim.

2. Submit your details – Provide your flight info, and we handle the paperwork.

3. Let us fight for you – We deal with the airline, so you don’t have to.

4. Get paid – If successful, you receive up to €600 in compensation.

Don’t Let Airlines Keep Your Money!

You deserve compensation for your delayed flight. Start your claim today and get the money you’re owed!