Malev, the state-owned Hungarian airline, ceased flying with debts of €205 million after the government withdrew financing. The airline, which was placed under bankruptcy protection earlier this week, stopped operating all fights at 06.00 this morning.
Chief Executive Lorant Limburger said: “Unfortunately, what we fretted about the most and what we have done the most to avert has come to pass. The board has ordered that the Hungarian national airline stop operations. We extend our apologies to all of our passengers.”
Budapest-based Wizz Air is offering stranded Malev passengers one-way flights of “special, discounted” tickets for €34.
Ryanair today announced that it will base four new Boeing 737-800 series aircraft at Budapest Airport commencing on Friday 17th February and open 31 new routes, “subject to reaching final agreement with Budapest Airport today on costs, facilities and handling”.
