TUI Airways Announces New Direct Route from Birmingham to Budapest for Summer 2026

To support TUI River Cruise programme

TUI Airways Announcement

TUI Airways will launch a new direct flight from Birmingham Airport to Budapest International Airport, Hungary. The inaugural flight will take off on 4 May 2026, providing an easy travel option to Hungary’s capital city for Midlands travelers.

Budapest, situated on the Danube, is the first port of call for selected TUI River Cruises in 2026. This new route is being introduced in response to the growing interest in river cruises in Central Europe. For the summer of 2026, three TUI River Cruises ships—Isla, Maya, and Skyla—will operate extensively on the Danube.

The weekly flights will depart on Mondays throughout the summer season, offering a direct avenue to one of Europe’s most captivating cities, renowned for its blend of history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.

Additionally, customers can also book flights solely for holidays to Lake Balaton, part of TUI’s Lakes & Mountains collection, available from May to September 2026. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake popular for its beaches, volcanic hills, hiking paths, and wine-growing areas, making it an ideal location for a unique European getaway.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK, expressed enthusiasm about adding Budapest to their destination offerings, emphasizing its significance for TUI River Cruises and Lakes & Mountains packages: “This route is essential due to the increasing demand, providing our Midland customers with enhanced travel choices and flexibility for their vacations.”

Tom Screen, Aviation Director of Birmingham Airport, noted: “It’s fantastic that TUI is launching a new weekly flight to Budapest, adding more optionsDirect to travelers from Birmingham. This route joins TUI’s extensive list of destinations available from our airport.”

• TUI River Cruises: Offers a seven-night East Danube Explorer cruise starting from £1,529 per person, including flights from Birmingham to Budapest.
• TUI Lakes & Mountains: Features seven-night holidays to Siófok, Lake Balaton, priced from £1,033 per person, also including return flights.
• For those opting for flight-only trips, return flights from Birmingham to Budapest begin on 11 May 2026, with prices starting from £241 per person.