Budapest Airport, host of this year’s Routes Europe forum earlier this year, has reported positive returns from its meetings at this year’s World Routes in Las Vegas. Although the event hosting in May 2013 meant it didn’t have the budget for its hugely popular hosted networking stand the facility’s network and marketing teams were out in force at the event, under the watchful eye of recently promoted chief commercial officer, Kam Jandu.

Following the event, Budapest Airport has already bolstered its route offering and confirms that more route announcements are to come. The airport’s Airline Development team held 49 “highly productive” meetings with airline groups at World Routes leading to the addition of a new three times weekly route from Norwegian to London Gatwick from March 30, 2014 and increased frequency on Wizz Air’s Moscow-Budapest route and easyJet’s service from Budapest to Basel.

And, for summer 2014 Budapest Airport will once again welcome Spanish airline Vueling, which is re-introducing a regular scheduled flight between Barcelona and the Hungarian capital. The direct flights will operate on board a 180-seat Airbus A320 and will be operated three times a week from June to September. However, airport officials expect this schedule to be extended if the new service proves successful.

“We are delighted to welcome Vueling back to Budapest next summer. Their reappearance in the Hungarian market will definitely strengthen the Budapest – Barcelona route during the busiest tourism season,” said Jandu. “Vueling will offer another alternative for Hungarian and Spanish business and leisure passengers alike, in addition to the services already available.”

The airport’s marketing work is being supported by the city’s own success as Budapest has recently been recognised in three separate travel and tourism awards. The city took the second to top spot in Lonely Planet's latest list of top European destinations followed by Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers Choice Awards which awarded Budapest, the second best destination city in the World in a tie with Florence. These accolades were further reinforced by Trip Advisor who awarded Budapest ‘Best Value European City’.

“We are very pleased to be increasing our service offering from Budapest to the benefit of our passengers. In the coming months we will be announcing further new route additions to our growing international route map,” explained Jandu. “Budapest is a fascinating city with so much to offer, and it is great news to hear that it has been recognized as one of the world’s top destinations. We would like to think the airport’s growing international accessibility plays a part in making Budapest such a popular destination.”