Airlines are significantly increasing flight capacity to Budapest to accommodate Arsenal supporters traveling for the Champions League final. Wizz Air has announced it will double its capacity from south-east England to the Hungarian capital on 29 May, operating eight flights from Luton and Gatwick combined. Four additional flights are scheduled for the following day to ensure fans reach Budapest before the 5pm BST kick-off.
Additional Capacity from EasyJet
EasyJet has added more than 750 extra seats each way between the UK and Budapest in response to the high demand from football fans. This will be Arsenal’s first appearance in the Champions League final in 20 years, following their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in Paris in 2006.
Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, stated: “Arsenal reaching the Champions League final is a massive moment for the club and for its fans – it’s been a long wait. As the football airline based in London, we know exactly where supporters want to be, and that’s in Budapest. We’re delighted to be adding extra flights from London to get the Gunners there in force. Demand is extremely strong, so we’d encourage fans to book early and secure their seat for what promises to be a historic weekend.”
Soaring Flight Prices
The lowest fare for Wizz Air’s pre-match flights on 30 May is £370, compared with £92 for a morning flight to Budapest a week later. The cheapest easyJet flight from Luton to Budapest on the same day is £366. EasyJet explained that like other airlines, its pricing is “demand-led,” meaning fares “start low and increase as fewer seats are available.”
Hotel Prices Skyrocket
Arsenal supporters booking hotel rooms for the final are facing fees more than 18 times higher than normal. Most hotels in Budapest are already fully booked, and those with availability are charging exorbitant prices. Analysis found that a twin or double room for two people at the Expo Tower Hotel on the night of the match costs 1,458 euros (£1,259), compared to 73 euros (£63) for arriving a day later.
At Bohem Art Hotel, the cost is 1,618 euros (£1,396) for staying on 30 May and 113 euros (£98) the following day. Hotel President is charging £886 on 30 May and £104 on 31 May.
Fan Reactions
Akhil Vyas of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust commented: “You’re talking a lot of money.” When asked if he thought the hotel room prices were fair, he replied: “I wouldn’t say so. It’s cheeky. I get it, it’s business, (but) how great is it for Budapest to have a Champions League final there, with all the tourism? It might put people off.”
