REGIONS: COUNTRIES:
Visegrad: A New European Military Force
The Visegrad Group consists of four countries -- Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The group was reconstituted in 1991 in post-Cold War Europe. The goal was to create a regional framework after the fall of Communism. The Visegrad Group took an interesting when it announced the formation of a 'battle group' under the command of Poland
The US/NATO ABM Defense Shield in the Black Sea Region
The anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system under construction by the US and NATO in the Black Sea Region poses no threat to US-Russian nuclear strategic parity. On the contrary, it holds cooperative potential for the two leading nuclear powers. It could also stabilize the broader Eurasian security situation in the light of Iran’s policy of nuclear blackmail
The Hungarian government abandoned part of its planned debt auction after it had to raise interest rates on the bonds to sell them
Hungary Asks for Precautionary Financial Assistance
Hungary has requested precautionary financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU)
Economic Risk in Hungary and Other Countries Spooking Investors
Despite federal spending consuming 27.2 percent of GDP, the United States maintains a Aaa rating. But you can't say the same about Hungary and many other countries in both the developed and developing world where continued fallout from the economic crisis is hurting their credit ratings. As a result, investors have viewed the economic situations in these countries as increasingly risky bets
EU threatens legal action over controversial reforms in Hungary
The European Commission warned Hungary Tuesday it faces legal action over controversial reforms introduced by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government.
Neighbors send euro troubles to Austria
Downgrade -- the most feared word in Europe's financial lexicon. Most attention Friday was focused on France -- Europe's second largest economy -- as Standard & Poor's cut its rating on French sovereign debt.
Austrian downgrade reflects Europe's complex web of problems
Downgrade -- the most feared word in Europe's financial lexicon. Most attention Friday was focused on France, Europe's second-largest economy, as Standard & Poor's cut its rating on French sovereign debt. But the debt of several other countries also received the Mark of Cain, including Italy, Spain, Portugal -- and Austria, whose debt rating was cut by one notch from its AAA status.
Is Hungary next country to face crisis?
Unlike Greece, Spain and Italy, Hungary does not use the euro single currency, but it is afflicted by similar debt problems. Fears are now growing that Hungary could go bankrupt, prompting it to request help from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. So is Hungary the next step on Europe's path to meltdown?
Huge crowds protest Hungary's new constitution
Tens of thousands of people protested against Hungary's new constitution in Budapest Monday night, demanding that Prime Minister Viktor Orban resign.
Zimbabwean woman wins top writing prize for tale of starving children
Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo has won the Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story "Hitting Budapest."
66 years later, B-17 crewman's remains finally going home to Iowa
Staff Sgt. Marvin Steinford was 22 years old when he climbed into the nose of a B-17 "Flying Fortress" in Amendola, Italy, and left on a mission bound for Berlin during World War II.
Nazi war suspect's trial opens in Hungary
One of the world's most wanted Nazi war suspects, Sandor Kepiro, 97, went on trial Thursday in Hungary charged with the slayings of 36 Jews and Serbs in Novi Sad, Serbia, in 1942.
Report: 3 killed in stampede at night club in Hungary
Three women died after a stampede at a night club in Hungary's capital, state media reported.
Online protest taking to streets in Hungary
Protesters who banded together online are expected to take to the streets of Hungary on Friday to protest a controversial new media law that triggered an avalanche of criticism.
Off-Duty Hollywood: Brad Pitt Takes Daughter Shiloh on a Zipline in Budapest
Plus: Gwen Stefani has a playdate in the park with son Zuma and more star sightings
Hungary plant that leaked toxic sludge to reopen
The aluminum plant at the heart of the deadly toxic red sludge spill in Hungary will resume production at the end of the week, government officials said Wednesday.
Workers building emergency dams to stem second toxic spill
Workers in Hungary were racing Tuesday to build three emergency dams to stem an expected second toxic spill from an aluminum plant.
Toxic sludge spill could happen elsewhere, campaigners warn
Shocking safety lapses exposed by the deadly Hungary toxic sludge spill could be repeated at thousands of industrial sites around the world unless regulations are tightened dramatically, campaigners have warned.
Chief of company behind toxic sludge spill in Hungary arrested
The head of the company at the center of a toxic spill in Hungary has been arrested, accused of public endangerment and harming the environment, authorities said Monday.
Authorities anticipating second wave of toxic sludge in Hungary
Residents were evacuated and soldiers were on standby Sunday as authorities believe a damaged reservoir wall may unleash a second wave of toxic sludge onto a Hungarian village, an official said.
Hungary toxic sludge death toll reaches 7
The death toll from a toxic sludge spill in Hungary rose to seven Friday after an additional body was found, according to a spokeswoman for Hungary's emergency services department.
Hungary asks for help cleaning up sludge
The Hungarian government Thursday made an urgent request to the European Union for help in the cleanup effort after a reservoir holding industrial waste burst earlier in the week.
Sludge cleanup begins in Hungary as search for victims goes on
Rescue workers searched Wednesday for six elderly people missing at Kolontar, one of three villages in southwest Hungary that was hit Monday by a wave of toxic red sludge from an alumina plant reservoir that burst.
From the Nile to the Yangtze: Sailing the world's great rivers
The life-blood of civilizations and natural wonders, rivers are one of the best ways to explore the world's most spectacular scenery.
Wall Street: Bring on the profit reports
Stocks closed higher Monday, recovering from earlier weakness, as optimism about corporate results due this week outweighed ongoing concerns about the economy.
Ireland, Hungary raise fresh concerns
Fresh concerns over Europe's debt problems surfaced Monday after Ireland's debt rating was downgraded and talks between Hungary and the International Monetary Fund reached an impasse.
War crimes suspect averts extradition from Australia
A man wanted in Hungary for the torture and killing of a Jewish teenager during World War II averted extradition Friday after an Australian federal court ruled in his favor, an Australian news agency reported.
Dow drops 324 points as euro sinks
Stocks slumped Friday after a government report showed employers added fewer jobs than expected last month and the euro plunged to a new 4-year low, reviving worries about the health of the European economy.
Markets go on a Hungary strike
Just when we all got used to referring to Europe's fiscal crisis with the tidy little acronym of the PIIGS, another European country is angling for admittance into the bad debt club.
Center-right Fidesz party sweeps to victory in Hungary
Hungary awoke Monday to a new political landscape after the center-right opposition Fidesz party took decisive election victory, ending eight years of Socialist rule.
Center-right crushes ruling Socialists in Hungary vote
Hungary's center-right Fidesz party won a sweeping victory in the first round of parliamentary elections Sunday, crushing the ruling Socialists in a country battered by the global economic recession.
Soros: In revolutionary times the impossible becomes possible
From the mid-1980s, Hungarian-born investor and philanthropist George Soros pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into foundations in Eastern Europe dedicated to promoting the idea of the "open society" and challenging the region's Soviet-backed regimes. Since then his Open Society Institute has evolved into a network of foundations and offices working in over 60 countries. Here, writing exclusively for CNN.com, he describes how the work of his foundations ultimately contributed to the collapse of communism.
Taking the plunge in Budapest
In Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital, you can sample spicy paprika at the Great Market Hall (designed by Gustave Eiffel), sip coffee in a genteel turn-of-the-20th-century cafe and enjoy an affordable performance at the luxurious Opera House.
Thousands flock to D.C. for Cherry Blossom Parade
Thousands of visitors lined Constitution Avenue in Washington on Saturday morning for the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
From the next Berlin to the new Acropolis museum
From the Czech Republic to Greece, the eastern part of Europe is changing so fast that you could visit every year and feel as if you've experienced something completely new.
2 killed in Hungary school shooting
A principal and teacher were killed Wednesday when a masked gunman opened fire in a private elementary school in Budapest, Hungary's capital city, police said.
Hungary: 4 Dead, 26 Injured in Train Collision
A local passenger train ran into the back of an long-distance train Monday near Budapest, killing four people and injuring 26
Cuba slams Hungary for granting asylum to migrants
Cuba branded Hungary an "imperial accomplice" of Washington on Wednesday for granting political asylum to 29 Cubans who were held at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. naval base.
Hungary braces for more protests
Hungarian police said Wednesday that hard-core football hooligans had hijacked peaceful anti-government protests, but Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany blamed opposition parties for a second night of violence.
Your e-mails: Hungary Riots
Early Tuesday, protesters across Hungary clashed with police and in Budapest stormed the headquarters of state television, responding with violence to a leaked recording that caught the countries prime minister admitting the government "lied morning, evening and night" about the economy.
Hungary police brace for more protests
Hungarian police said that hard-core football hooligans had hijacked peaceful anti-government protests but Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany blamed opposition parties for a second night of clashes between rioters and police, saying they had failed to deliver on a pledge to calm protests.
Hungary: Rioters attack TV station
Protesters seized the headquarters of Hungary's state television network and set fires in and around the building early Tuesday after the country's prime minister admitted lying about the economy "throughout the past one and a half or two years."
Where the dollar is still king
As the dollar continues its slide against the euro - down almost 6 percent this year to a 1 year low - Americans thinking of traveling abroad might look beyond Paris, Rome or Madrid to destinations where the U.S. dollar remains strong.
Hungary plane crash: 42 dead
Recovery efforts continued Friday at the site of the crash of an AN-24 Slovak military plane, which was carrying 43 passengers when it crashed in the rugged terrain of northern Hungary.
Get involved: Europe
Send us your tips, words, photos and videos to thescene@cnn.com, or text "SCENE" plus your comments to +44 7786 20 40 60. Remember to include your name and the city/country where you live.
Best investments 2005: Bonds
Junk and foreign bonds beat going long. Risk: High-yield debt is more tied to economic ups and downs.
Powell to Hungary: Stay the course
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell thanked Hungary on Tuesday for the "steadfastness" of its commitment to the coalition in Iraq, saying now is not the time to get "weak in the knees" despite continued violence and kidnappings.
European Quest: Your views
For two weeks, Richard Quest and his team are traveling around countries about to join the European Union on May 1. We asked for your views. The following are a selection of your e-mails.
Our European Quest
Our trip started in Hungary, but we flew to the Austrian capital Vienna and drove across the border because it was a lot easier than flying anywhere else.
Hungary at Europe's crossroads
Folk-dancing nights in Budapest are a weekly event for Istvan Pal and his fellow musicians -- a reflection of the Hungarians' strong identification with their distinct language and culture.
Hungarian Rhapsody AN UNEXPECTED ECONOMIC REVIVAL
Four years ago, the Hungarian economy was deep in crisis: Inflation was rampant, unemployment was rising, and trade and government deficits were mounting. Making things even worse was the fact that...
FUNDS RUSH TO CASH IN ON EASTERN EUROPE'S BOOM
Lured by spectacular gains in markets such as Russia (up 105% in the first eight months of this year), Hungary (86%), Poland (77%) and the Czech Republic (26%), several new mutual funds have sprung...
EASTERN EUROPE IS ONE HOT MARKET
-- From the Baltic to the Black Sea, Eastern Europeans are loading up on merchandise bearing U.S. brand names like Kodak, Kellogg's, Band-Aids, Rice-a- Roni, SlimFast, and Purina Cat Chow. Warsaw s...
GET AN AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN PORTFOLIO ON THE CHEAP
Of all the emerging Eastern bloc nations, none has a brighter future than Hungary. This peppery land of goulash and bauxite has taken to economic freedom with a vengeance. Within the last year or s...
WHO'S WHO IN THE EAST In Eastern Europe, the people to know are both colorful and energetic. ! Want to meet the Clark Gable of f
Business is always personal, but especially so in Eastern Europe, where daunting bureaucracy and changing ground rules can spook even veteran investors from abroad. In such a climate, knowing the r...
NEW LIGHT IN EASTERN EUROPE? Amid the economic chaos that followed the crash of Communism come signs of emerging entrepreneurshi
A NERVOUS SOBRIETY has set in across Eastern Europe. Two years after the Iron Curtain came crashing down, the region's experiments with capitalism might, to some eyes, seem an excellent advertiseme...
POLAND'S GAMBLE BEGINS TO PAY OFF The Poles have achieved remarkable results in the first stages of their rush toward a free-mar
FOR POLAND this may be the most dangerous summer since 1939. While their Soviet neighbors fiddle, the gutsy Poles are switching from Communism to capitalism in one stroke. But their boldness has al...
GLASNOST'S HARVEST: JEANS THAT NEED A SCREWDRIVER, AN ANGEL FOR BORIS, AND MORE
-- The red star and the Cyrillic writing on the back pockets and an accessory in the form of a free screwdriver mark a hot new seller: cotton jeans ($60 and up) from the Soviet Union. The screwdriv...
HOW TO MANAGE IN THE NEW ERA Seizing global opportunities requires exploring more options -- and acting faster -- than ever. Her
Are you up to the challenge? Beware. Leading the vanguard of global investors doesn't necessarily make for restful nights. When Swedish ball-bearing maker SKF plunged into Russia, its dream of prof...
WHO GAINS FROM THE NEW EUROPE Almost everybody does -- and there's opportunity aplenty for deals. The combined GNP of East Germa
WITH THE FALL of the Wall and the lifting of the Curtain, Western managers and investors must rethink their strategies for doing business in Europe in the 1990s. Suddenly the Old World has gained a...
IRON CURTAIN MBA
Move over, Karl Marx. Hungary's premier university has dropped Das Kapital from its required reading list. And, this month, the reform-minded Magyars are launching the East bloc's first MBA program...
Hungary's capitalist crusade
The tax man has sneaked behind the Iron Curtain and is emphatically not getting any Red carpet treatment. On January 1, Hungary became the first Soviet bloc country to impose a personal income tax ...
Hot money haven
If Switzerland is no longer a safe home for dubious dough, what is? Believe it or not, the hot new haven is Hungary. In the past year Switzerland has frozen the accounts of deposed despots Ferdinan...
Hungary, Class of '56
A remarkable number of top U.S. executives will mark the 30th anniversary of Hungary's brief revolt against Soviet domination on October 23: They are veterans of the uprising. Within weeks of the 1...
Hungary: News & Videos about Hungary - CNN.com
Find stories, videos, and photos about Hungary from CNN.com.
Malév Is Dead, Long Live Low Cost Carriers?
The predictable passing of Malév triggered rapid expansion announcements from both Ryanair and Wizz Air. SmartWings, Air Berlin and others have added flights, with more low cost carriers positioned to pounce. All good for budget travelers as prices are driven down via increased competition. More consumer choice is usually good, but given the economic climate will it be a no frills future for the Hungarian airline market?
The curt closure of one of Europe’s oldest airlines is sad news for some, particularly 7,000+ stranded passengers and 2000+ employees of the Hungarian flag carrier.
Industry experience indicates, and as current events are demonstrating, the majority of services handled by Malév will soon be taken over by existing airlines; and new carriers ready to gamble on niche routes from Budapest.
‘State Of The Nation’ Speech By Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
"On 7 February 2012 Viktor Orbán gave his traditional ‘state of the nation’ speech, focusing on the past year. This was the fourteenth such occasion. At the beginning of his speech Mr. Orbán thanked all those who have stood by the country in spite of the criticism directed at it and its government. This was a reference to the four hundred thousand people who took part in the ‘Peace March for Hungary’ on 21 January.
Journalists Allowed Back Into Budapest Parliament After Ban
"Journalists working for news website Index may again report from Parliament from February 13, Parliament’s press chief Anita Altorjai told reporters on Wednesday. She warned that journalists are obliged to honour the House rules and directives issued by the Speaker about the media.
Man Indicted For Racist Assault In Hungary
"Charges have been brought against a Hungarian who attacked a man from Equatorial Guinea with pepper spray last September, Somogy county prosecutors announced. The 18-year-old suspect from Andocs is accused of attacking the victim because of his colour."
Danube May Freeze Over In Hungary
"The Danube may freeze over in Budapest for the first time in 25 years, if night-time temperatures plunge to around –20C for a few more days. In 1987 a few people were able to cross the river on foot between Pest and Buda.
Four Die Of Exposure In Icy Weather In Hungary
"Four people died of exposure and 21 others suffered injuries on Tuesday, National Disaster officials said. Classes have been suspended in nine counties due to the cold weather.
Gov’t Offers Work To Hunger Marchers In Hungary
"Local governments state secretary András Tállai on Tuesday awaited the hunger marchers walking from Miskolc to Budapest with food and snow shovels in Mezőkövesd, offering to provide bread to those willing to shovel snow.
Hungarian Media Authority Extends Klubrádió Temporary License By 60 Days
"The Media Council on Tuesday decided to grant a 60-day provisional licence to Klubrádió to conclude a contract for broadcasts on different frequencies, at the request of the radio station.
More Snow Forecast, Tisza Freezes In Hungary
"The National Meteorological Service has issued snow warnings for Zala, Somogy and Baranya counties, forecasting heavy snowfall for the southern region today, as wintry conditions retain their grip on the country. Ice-breaking ships are on standby at various critical points along the Tisza as the river and its tributaries have frozen over on almost their entire stretch.
Le Monde Interview With Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
"An interview with Viktor Orbán appeared in the French newspaper Le Monde on Saturday. The Prime Minister stressed that ideologies are no longer important: it is values that matter, and values have not changed since 1989.
Statement Of The Foreign Ministry On The Jerusalem Post’s Article Of 5 February 2012 About Hungary
"The Ministry for Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the position of the MPs of the Jobbik political party on the Holocaust, on the internal political situation in Israel, and on the political relations of the Middle East.
Hungary Condemns Far-Right's Anti-Semitic Comments
"Hungary’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday criticized anti-Semitic and pro-Iranian regime statements of Jobbik party lawmaker Marton Gyongyosi. Hungary rejects the statements of “Gyongyosi, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, [who] questioned the number of Hungarian Holocaust victims and compared Israel to a Nazi system,” a ministry spokesman said."
Morning Briefing: Hungarian Political Outlook Center Stage
"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to preview his plans for central Europe’s most volatile market this year in a nationwide address Tuesday."
Extreme Cold Blamed For Five Deaths In Hungary
"A total of five people died of exposure in the heavy snow and unusually cold weather that enveloped Hungary over the weekend. A man who fell to the ground in the courtyard of his house in Mezőkövesd on Friday, was unable to get up and died of exposure in the –15C temperature.
1 Million Litres Of Illegal Italian Wine Seized In Hungary
"One million litres of illegally expropriated wine has been found by food chain safety authority wine supervisors in Bács-Kiskun county. Official proceedings continue with the inclusion of experts from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV); details will be made public in the near future.
Hungary Must Improve Investor Image For IMF Aid, Varga Says
"ungary must improve its investment environment and slow legislative changes to obtain an international bailout, Mihaly Varga, chief of staff to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, told Magyar Hirlap in an interview. Hungary is seeking an aid package from the International Monetary Fund and European Union of about 15 billion ($20 billion) to 20 billion euros, Varga said."
Hungary's Far-Right: Jews Not Welcome Here
"The foreign affairs spokesman of Jobbik, the ultra-nationalist party poised to play a leading role in Hungarian politics, has openly questioned the Holocaust and claimed that Jews are colonising the country. In a shocking interview with the JC, Marton Gyongyosi also said that Israel's treatment of the Palestinians amounted to a "Nazi system"."
Heavy Snow Expected For Hungary This Weekend
"The National Meteorological Service is forecasting heavy snowfall and storms throughout Hungary from noon Friday, warning of accumulations of up to 50cm by Sunday evening.
Malév Grounded, Hungarian Airline Crisis Advice
Malév stopped operations after 66 years of flying this morning at 6am CET, Friday 3 February. A company announcement explained the shutdown was due to the airline being unable to finance advance payments to its service partners who had “lost trust” in the Hungarian national carrier. XpatLoop.com was invited to a special event in Budapest today where a Ryanair 'rescue plan for Budapest and Hungarian tourism' , was revealed to deal with the crisis resulting from the collapse of Malév - 31 new routes to and from Hungary have been announced with fares from EURO 9.99. Also today a bold statement was made about WizzAir plans to invest USD 100 million into expanding its operations in Budapest.
Rogán: Budapest Must Cut Spending
"Budapest should tighten its belt if it is to bail out the public transport company BKV, Fifth District mayor Antal Rogán said in a statement issued on Thursday. Rogán, a Fidesz MP, said Budapest did not provide one forint of operational support to the transport company in 2010 and 2011, while the government gave it over Ft 140 billion in subsidies.
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FT: Ryanair vs Budapest: Playing Dirty? Hungarian Airport Response
"Budapest Airport CEO Jost Lammers was surprised to learn of the comments attributed to Budapest Airport in the FT article yesterday evening. Therefore he wishes to redress the balance with a formal official statement to avoid any misunderstanding for all stakeholders, especially the passengers and Ryanair.
Recovery Continues At Budapest Airport
"Budapest Airport continues to receive offers from airlines wishing to operate services to or from Budapest since the collapse of Malév on Friday 3 February. A series of airlines have already announced new services including: Lufthansa, Air Berlin, Aegean, Ryanair, Smart Wings and Wizz Air, thus contributing to the recovery.
American Airlines Cancels Budapest New York Service
"American Airlines has just announced that it will cancel its Budapest (BUD) - New York (JFK) service, the service was scheduled to restart operations on June 15. The airline said it has taken the difficult decision to cancel this service in light of high oil prices and the weakened global economy, which has affected travel demand and the routes performance, we continuously evaluate routes to ensure we are maximizing our fleet and profitability.
Updated: Important Passenger Notice From Malév
"Dear Passengers, concerning your travel, we suggest that you ask other airlines about their offers or, if possible, you choose an alternative method of transport.
American Airlines Cancels Budapest Service
"As per 08FEB12 GDS inventory display, American Airlines has cancelled planned service resumption on New York JFK – Budapest route, followed by the collapse of MALEV Hungarian Airlines. Reservation for this route is closed overnight on Tuesday (07FEB12)."
Wizz Air Invests $100 Million To Expand Budapest Operations
"Hungarian-based Wizz Air (W6) announced it will invest HUF25 billion ($100 million) into expanding its Budapest operations after state-owned Malev Hungarian Airlines ceased operations Friday. W6 said it will add two Airbus A320s at the base in March, representing a 66% increase in capacity."
Business As Usual For Budapest Airport
“We are, of course, saddened by the collapse of Malev,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Budapest Airport. “But we now move into the post-Malev era with a degree of optimism. We are open for business as usual and would like to thank the airlines who have already stepped in to operate some of the routes previously flown by Malev – we will continue to work with these airlines and others, with a view to offering sensible long-term solutions.”
Hungarian Malév Airlines Stops Flying After 66 Years
"State airline Malév announced the cancellation of all flights at 7 a.m. Friday morning, effectively shutting down all operations after 66 years. Flights were grounded from 5 a.m., with passengers told that the flights were delayed.
Budapest Airport Getting Back On Its Feet After Malév Collapse
"Budapest Airport is pleased to report that following the events of Friday 3rd February, when the entire Malév fleet was grounded, a gentle calm has returned in the last 48 hours. Budapest Airport successfully used its Crisis Control Center, situated in Terminal 2, to manage the immediate effects of the national airline’s collapse with a primary view to ensuring that stranded passengers were attended to in the best possible way.
Hungarian Airline Malév Collapse Blows Hole In Airport Revenues
"The loss to Liszt Ferenc International Airport operator Budapest Airport by the demise of Malév airlines has not yet been calculated, company spokesman Mihály Hardy announced. There is little chance that a potential new airline alluded to by the government will come into being soon, he observed.
Escape From Budapest To Sunset Beach Samui
Known as the Coconut Island, Koh Samui is well-known as a dream vacation destination, now especially attractive during the snowy winter in Hungary. A better kept secret is The Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Thailand.
This luxury boutique property, located directly on the long powdery sand beach, enjoys spectacular views of the coast and nearby islands. The resort sits amidst inspiring private gardens, and the soothing sound of the sea fills the warm air with a magical calm. The pristine beachfront location - with its stunning marine views and picturesque sunsets - makes it a truly charming spot for a relaxing holiday away from the tourist crowds and the current chilly temperatures in Europe.
Budapest Airport To Reevaluate Plans After Malev Collapse
"Budapest Airport Zrt., the operator of Hungary’s chief international airport, majority-owned by Hochtief AG (HOT), is to reevaluate its 2012 business plan following the bankruptcy of its largest customer, state-owned carrier Malev Zrt., the airport said."
Rivals Swoop In As Hungary's Malev Stops Flying
"Several budget carriers, including Ireland's Ryanair (RYA.I) and Air Berlin, announced an immediate increase in their flights from Budapest airport, where state-controlled Malev was a major airline providing 40 percent of revenue."
Ryanair To Open Budapest Base, 31 New Routes
Following the grounding of Malév today Ryanair announced that it intends to launch 'a rescue plan' for Hungarian air travel and tourism. Ryanair confirmed that it will base 4 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Budapest Airport commencing Friday 17th February. Fares will start from EURO 9.99 (approx. HUF2,999), the routes aim to deliver up to 2 million passengers per year. Ryanair is still in discussions with the airport and the Hungarian government to finalise the plan which aims to save around 2,000 jobs, and replace most of the traffic and routes lost due to the collapse of the national carrier.
Wizz Air To Invest USD 100 million In Budapest
Wizz Air, the largest low fare - low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would invest HUF 25 billion (USD 100m) into expanding its operations in Budapest. As of March 2012, the airline will add two Airbus A320 aircraft to its Budapest base, a 66% increase in overall capacity. The airline says one result will be 700 new jobs.
Budapest Airport Operating Despite Malév's Collapse
"Budapest Airport is continously operating despite the suspension of Malév's flights. We are working to ensure that passengers with Malév tickets shall arrive to their destination by rebooking on other airlines.
Wizz Air Offers Rescue Fares To Malév Passengers
Wizz Air, the largest low fare – low cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe announced today that it would provide a special rescue package to passengers impacted by the suspension of Malev’s operations by offering re-routing alternatives to/from Budapest.
Malév Hungarian Airlines Grounded Announcement
Official Statement: "Based on the Board of Directors’ decision Hungary’s National Airline ceased its operation to minimize its losses. According to this statement, after nearly 66 years of continuous operation, Malév aircrafts will not depart from 6am on 03 February 2012.
Budapest Airport: Status Update For Passengers
"Budapest Airport would like to thank the patience and understanding of all Malév-passengers who from 05.00 hours this morning have been cooperating with both Malév and Budapest Airport staff after the grounding of the national airline.
Wanderlust Travel Awards 2012: Winners Announced
"Who did you vote in at the top spots this year? Which country won Gold? Which airlines and airports are you happiest with? Find out who-won-what here..."
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