Pilot Program Pitched to US Airline Carriers to Begin Direct Flights to Hungary

Washington, D.C. – While US-Hungary tensions under the Biden administration the past four years have been high, including the sanctioning of a top Hungarian government official. Following President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration—and his close ties and friendship with Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán. Many are hopeful that the US-Hungary relationship will only improve moving forward under the Trump administration, with additional tourism and trade benefiting the economy of both countries.

Taking the lead is former CPAC-Endorsed Republican Congressional Candidate Bryan E. Leib, a Trump ally who has been a strong advocate strengthening the U.S.-Hungary relationship, mutual alliance and shared interest.

Leib has proposed the Creation of a Pilot Program for Non-Stop Flights from the U.S. to Budapest, Hungary in 2025.

This evening I sent a letter via email to the CEO’s of @Delta, @united, and @AmericanAir suggesting they start exploring the possibility of creating non-stop flights from major U.S. hubs such as NYC, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington D.C. to Budapest, Hungary.

These fantastic… pic.twitter.com/HDIDmtHtaL

— Bryan E. Leib (@BryanLeibFL) January 27, 2025

In a letter sent to the CEO’s of Delta, United and American Airlines—Leib wrote:

• I am writing to you in my individual capacity as the Managing Director of Henry Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm for conservative and as a leader who cares deeply about relations between the United States of America and Hungary. I am not writing at the direction of anyone or any government. The purpose of my letter is to suggest that one of your airlines creates a pilot program for the establishment of weekly non-stop flights between U.S. hubs such as New York City, Atlanta, Washington D.C and/or Chicago to Budapest, Hungary.
• Budapest captivated over 5 million visitors in 2023 with its stunning blend of history, architecture, and vibrant culture, where grand Austro-Hungarian buildings line the banks of the majestic Danube. From the thermal baths and world-class cuisine to the breathtaking views from Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, the city offers an unforgettable mix of elegance and energy. It’s no wonder why so many refer to Budapest as the “Paris of the East”.
• With the strong relationship between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, many are predicting that bilateral ties between Washington and Budapest will reach an all time high. This is a prime opportunity for a U.S. Airline carrier to start flying non-stop to Budapest to assist in supporting the growth of our bilateral alliance with Hungary.I applaud your airlines for flying non-stop on a weekly basis to European cities such as Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, Prague, Rome, Vienna, and Zurich. There is only one city that I believe is missing on this list; Budapest!Please allow me to go into more detail on why I think this proposal should be considered.

Increased Trade

• Hungary offers a thriving economy with a focus on manufacturing, automotive, and technology. Non-stop flights would facilitate easier movement of goods and personnel, fostering stronger trade partnerships between the two nations.

Tourism Growth

• Budapest is a renowned cultural and historical gem, attracting millions of visitors annually. Non-stop flights would significantly improve accessibility for American tourists, leading to a surge in visitor numbers and a substantial economic impact for both countries.

Untapped Market

• Currently, travel between major U.S. cities and Budapest requires lengthy layovers, significantly increasing travel time and reducing convenience. Non-stop flights would address this unmet demand, making travel more appealing and accessible to both business and leisure travelers.

Budapest Liszt International Airport’s Expansion

• BUD is undergoing significant expansion, enhancing its infrastructure and capacity to accommodate increased passenger traffic. This expansion further supports the feasibility and long-term success of non-stop flights from major U.S. hubs.
• For all of these reasons and many more, I respectfully request your teams consider starting the process of evaluating Budapest, Hungary as your next European destination to fly non-stop to in 2025. I believe this pilot program presents a unique opportunity to drive economic growth through increased tourism revenue, job creation, and expanded trade opportunities. I would be delighted to discuss this further and provide any additional information you may require.

Thank you for your time and consideration. See you in Budapest!
Sincerely, Bryan E. Leib
Managing Director
Henry Public Relations.

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 Borough Park, Brooklyn, 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 New York metropolitan area by nearly 50%.” With each visitor boosting the local Hungarian villages economy.

U.S. airline carriers fly non-stop to scores of European cities on a daily and weekly basis but there are no such direct flights to/from Budapest, Hungary. I would like to see this change in 2025 to help increase trade and tourism!

CC: @United @Delta @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/lp2G8f9r4v

— Bryan E. Leib (@BryanLeibFL) November 20, 2024