Latest news in Hungary - 8 Jul 2025

Budapest Airport Closure Due to Thunderstorms: Liszt Ferenc International Airport has suspended operations due to debris on the runways from severe thunderstorms, resulting in the diversion of four incoming flights to other airports. Terminal 2A experienced partial flooding and has been evacuated, with all check-ins now taking place at Terminal 2B, while passengers are advised to monitor traffic updates before setting out. Read more here

Bus Accident Near Kunszentmárton: On July 6, a bus carrying 77 passengers overturned into a ditch, resulting in injuries to 19 individuals, including a critically injured 17-year-old girl and a seriously injured 14-year-old boy. The driver, who confessed to being blinded by the sun, is now facing legal proceedings for the mass casualty incident. Read more here

Police Decision on Pride Participants: The Budapest Police announced they will not pursue legal action against participants of the Pride event planned for June 28, 2025, despite a prior prohibition due to legal ambiguities around the gathering's status. Organizers did not contest the prohibition in court, yet still promoted the event, leading to confusion among attendees. Read more here

Football Feud Heats Up in Hungary: Gábor Kubatov, president of Ferencváros, is embroiled in a verbal clash with MLSZ president Sándor Csányi after Csányi criticized Ferencváros fans for insulting remarks during a cup final. The heated exchange highlights the ongoing intertwining of politics and sports in Hungary, as Kubatov defends maintaining an apolitical stance, despite past instances suggesting otherwise. Read more here

Severe Disruptions for MÁV Due to Storm: Transportation in Hungary is facing significant challenges as a severe storm has damaged all main railway lines, with fallen trees hindering electric networks. MÁV's Minister, Lázár János, warns that Monday could be "one of the hardest days in MÁV's history," urging passengers to check for updates while mobilizing 200 buses to assist canceled train services. Read more here

Supreme Court Approves Referendum on December 24 Holiday: The Supreme Court has greenlit a referendum allowing Hungarians to vote on whether December 24 should be designated as a public holiday, following the National Election Office's approval of the question from Jobbik. This marks the second attempt by Jobbik, with their previous similar proposal being rejected by the Supreme Court in 2024. Read more here

Severe Storm Causes Damage in Szeged: A powerful storm on Monday ripped off the roof of a building at the University of Szeged, sending debris onto a nearby retirement residence, but fortunately, no personal injuries were reported. The storm wreaked havoc across the city with uprooted trees, damaged vehicles, and significant property destruction, prompting around 2,200 emergency calls. Read more here

Péter Magyar Apologizes for Airport Comments: Péter Magyar deleted a social media post joking about Liszt Ferenc Airport after severe weather caused shutdowns and delays, later apologizing for his insensitive remarks and acknowledging the challenges faced by airport management during the storm. His initial post, which included a smiling photo, sparked backlash and prompted an apology that recognized the severity of the situation. Read more here

Zendaya Stops by Budapest Café: While filming Dune 3, Zendaya visited the Flatty café near St. Stephen's Basilica for an iced coffee, prompting the café to consider renaming a drink as the "Zendaya Special." She had recently been spotted at the luxury perfume shop Neroli on Andrássy Avenue, showcasing her charm both on and off the screen. Read more here

First Clemency Granted by President Sulyok: For the first time since taking office, President Tamás Sulyok has granted clemency, approving four applications out of 311 received in the first half of 2025, amidst a backdrop of previously rejecting all requests in 2024. This stark contrast to his predecessors' more lenient approach highlights Sulyok's perception of clemency as an exceptional measure. Read more here\

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