On Monday, October 3, 2022, Korean Air operated an inaugural flight from Seoul, Korea to Budapest, Hungary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean Air constantly flew to Budapest as a freighter. However, this is the first time ever Korean Air commenced a passenger service to Hungary.
Korean Air’s Inaugural Flight To Budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts a deep history and scenery that makes the city charming. This made Budapest one of the most famous European cities Koreans love to visit. Moreover, in terms of trade, Hungary attracted numerous Korean companies to the country due to the government’s interest in auto manufacturing and investment policies.
Korean Air launched a cargo flight on the Budapest route back in February 2020 in line with the growth of demand for flights to Hungary. And through Monday’s passenger flight, the airline plans to secure the competitiveness of European routes and further accelerate the development of new markets in Eastern Europe.
Korean Air will most likely operate its Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners fixed on this route in a two-cabin configuration. The 269-seater aircraft offers greater comfort and passenger experience on long-haul routes.
Korean Air B787-9 Dreamliner
The B787-9 is Korean Air’s youngest fleet with an average of four years. The aircraft features 24 APEX Prestige Class seats and 245 New Economy seatings. Korea Air used to operate first class on European routes but as of now, all are axed only offering business and economy.
The economy class seats are comfortable too with a 3-3-3 configuration. It offers one of the widest legroom out there. You can check my review on Boeing B787-9 which I recently flew to Ho Chi Minh City.
Korean Air Flight Schedule to Budapest
As of October 3, Korean Air flight KE961 departed Seoul/Incheon at 11:25 AM and arrived in at Budapest 17:05 PM the same day. The flight time is blocked at 12hr40min outbound and 10hr35min inbound. Here’s the detailed schedule below:
- KE961 (Monday) – Seoul/Incheon to Budapest departing at 11:25 and arriving at 17:05
- KE962 (Tuesday) – Budapest to Seoul/Incheon departing at 19:15 and arriving at 12:50 (+1 day)
The frequency as of now will be 1x weekly but eventually, the airline will increase to 2x weekly (Mondays and Saturdays) starting October 29.
Flights From Seoul To Budapest
Currently, the Polish flag carrier, LOT Polish Airlines is operating direct flights from Seoul to Budapest twice weekly using a B787-9 as well. And with Korean Air starting the Budapest route, I’m glad there are more options to get to mainland Europe now.
However, price-wise, LOT is the winner here. LOT generally offers great fares while Korean Air’s ticket price is still skyrocketing as demand grows. So let’s see how both airlines will do in terms of fare price.
Summary
Korean Air launched a new European route on Monday to Budapest. With the launch of this new route, Korean Air is eyeing to expand its route network in Eastern European cities.
