As of June 2, 2022, LOT Polish Airlines will resume intercontinental operations from Budapest (BUD) with non-stop flights to New York (JFK) with three weekly frequencies. They will be operated on 252-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The Polish flag carrier suspended its long-haul services to the Hungarian capital in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
«Budapest Airport’s focus remains on rebuilding long-haul flights as soon as possible, helping to revitalize the country’s tourism industry. Our airline development team and the Hungarian Tourism Agency are working to ensure that long-haul flights return to the airport as soon as possible» said Balázs Bogáts, Head of Airline Development at Budapest Airport.
Flight Itinerary
Budapest (BUD) – New York (JFK)
Flight LO33 BUD 12:15 – JFK 15:30 Friday and Sunday.
Flight LO33 BUD 12:25 – JFK 15:40
New York (JFK) – Budapest (BUD)
Flight LO34 JFK 17:30 – BUD 08:05+1 Monday and Thursday.
Flight LO34 JFK 18:15 – BUD 08:50+1 Saturday.
The resumption of this popular route will make it easier for Hungarian travelers to make a direct connection to the United States without additional transfers. The restart of LOT will not only re-establish passenger traffic but also reactivate the cargo market. The 787-8 will allow them to carry up to 12 tons of cargo and mail.
For the forthcoming northern summer season, LOT Polish will offer 9 transatlantic routes from its main hub in Warsaw (WAW) and also from Budapest (BUD), all operated on the Dreamliners.
«Despite the challenging times we are facing, LOT is looking for every opportunity to grow. By resuming non-stop service from Budapest to New York, we underline our commitment to the Hungarian market and believe in its prospects» said Michal Fijol, Chief Commercial Officer of LOT Polish Airlines.
LOT Polish in Budapest
Throughout May 2018, LOT Polish landed with long-haul flights in Budapest (BUD) to New York (JFK) with four weekly operations and Chicago O’ Hare (ORD) with two weekly frequencies, all on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The airline then launched its first destination in Asia from the Hungarian capital, Seoul Incheon (ICN).
Competition for the 2022 summer season
LOT Polish will be the only carrier with flights from Hungary to the United States. Due to fleet restructuring and delayed aircraft deliveries, American Airlines suspended operations between Philadelphia (PHL) and Budapest (BUD). Prior to the pandemic crisis, American had plans to connect the Hungarian capital with Chicago O’ Hare (ORD).
Only two carriers will offer transatlantic flights from Budapest (BUD) during the northern summer of 2022. In addition to LOT, Air Canada will resume operations from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) with five weekly flights on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, replacing its subsidiary Rouge which operated the route with Boeing 767-300ERs in summer 2019.
