"Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary revealed to Hungarian media yesterday that former Finance Minster Péter Oszkó joined the board of rival low-cost airline WizzAir in April 2011, prompting Fidesz to accuse him of profiting from Malév’s demise. more »

"Viktor Orbán has enchanted Hungary like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, and the country is in the same state today as during the rule of János Kádár, Nobel Prize-winning writer Imre Kertész asserts in an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde. more »

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 airline market in Hungary?

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. more »