American Airlines Announces Non-Stop Flights Between The United States And Hungary

by FrumNews

Philadelphia, PA – While US-Hungary tensions under the Biden administration have been high, including the sanctioning of a top Hungarian government official. After President Donald J. Trump took office—and his close ties and friendship with Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, the relationship between D.C. and Budapest immediately started to improve moving forward under the Trump administration.

Earlier this year, former CPAC-Endorsed Republican Congressional candidate and Senior Fellow at the Center for Fundamental Rights Bryan E. Leib, a Trump ally who has been a strong advocate strengthening the U.S.-Hungary relationship, mutual alliance and shared interest, proposed the creation of a pilot program for direct flights between the United States and Budapest. Leib requested from the leadership of all major U.S. airline carriers to consider making nonstop US – Hungary flights a reality.

Last week, American Airlines announced the relaunch of the Philadelphia-Budapest direct flights, with over 3000 weekly seats starting in May, 2026, which will bring additional tourism and trade benefiting the economy of both countries.

American Airlines returns to Budapest after six years: non-stop flights to Philadelphia from May 2026!

Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network proudly announces the re-launch of non-stop air service reconnecting Budapest with North America on a daily Dreamliner… pic.twitter.com/otFOyKvsBH

— Budapest Airport (@budairport) August 7, 2025

But additional tourism, trade and economy for both countries isn’t the only thing that non-stop U.S. – Hungary flights will be beneficial.

Pilgrimage!

In the Orthodox Jewish community—this new development has been warmly received, since tens of thousands of American Jews travel to Hungary annually to pray at many different holy Jewish gravesites including the gravesite of Reb Shayale Kerestirer (REB SHAYE BEN REB MOSHE ZT”L) which is located in the village of Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary. Approximately 223 km (139 mi) North/East of Budapest International Airport.

An Askun (community activist) from Lakewood, NJ, that assists with the yearly travel arrangements to the Tzion for the Yuhrtzeit of Reb Shaya Ben Reb Moshe, told FrumNews that having direct flights from the east coast to Budapest would increase the amount of yearly visitors from the tri-state area by nearly 50%. With each visitor boosting the local Hungarian villages economy.

🇺🇸🛫🇭🇺 I’ve been notified that @AmericanAir will resume direct flights to Budapest starting in May 2026!!! This is a major step forward for U.S.–Hungarian relations.

In my discussions with American Airlines leadership earlier this year, it was clear to me there was a strong… pic.twitter.com/JipXssmVS1

— Bryan E. Leib (@BryanLeibFL) August 7, 2025