Tweet
Hungary's flag carrier, Malev, a member of the One World Alliance with AA, is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and possible liquidation. An EU ruling a few weeks ago has effectively stopped the Hungarian government from coming to their aid. According to reports they may be days from suspending service.
-
-
Update: Malev ceased operations this morning. They have not filed for bankruptcy and efforts to sell the airline continue.
The biggest nail in its coffin was an Order by the European Commission that Malev repay millions of dollars in ''state aid''. Thanks a lot, European Commission! As a former Malev passenger who enjoyed connecting through Budapest, I can only say that what goes around comes around, and maybe before long, with the euro crack up, we will be hearing that it was the European Commission which ceases operations! -
Looks like the airline is history. Nine of their planes were returned today.
WizzAir, which already has a major presence at Budapest, is putting in an offer for Malev's routes but not its assets and projects at 66% expansion there in the coming year. They are also making a ''rescue'' offer for stranded Malev passengers:
TimetableComment
-
Ryanair now in the picture too . Yesterday they had 5 routes out of Budapest ..today 31 !!
( had spare planes laid up for winter)
There will be quite a difference in service . Quite a shock for Malev regulars
GComment
Comment