Residents express anger as Ryanair axes Bournemouth route, impacting family visits and travel plans.
Many Hungarians in Bournemouth are sad because the flight helped them see family easily, making visits affordable and quick. Barbara Hollo, a single mom, was shocked and had already planned a trip to Hungary with her son for the half-term holidays; now, those plans are on hold.
Barbara has lived in Bournemouth for four years and works at a tanning salon, visiting Hungary up to three times each year. She worries about extra costs and travel, as going to London for flights will be hard.
She recalls a time when she traveled from Heathrow with a baby after the pandemic, describing it as a nightmare trip. Bournemouth Airport was much easier, being only a short drive away.
Jet2.com is starting service soon, and Barbara hopes they will add flights to Hungary. Sandoz Szus, who leads the local Hungarian group, has started a petition asking Ryanair not to cancel the Budapest flight.
The petition started three weeks ago and already has 950 signatures, with people sharing the link online and receiving a very good response. Sandoz and Monika Dome have lived here nine years.
The cancelled flight will affect many families, including relatives in Hungary, as many relatives often visit Bournemouth. London travel will make things harder. Monika says many Hungarians live in Bournemouth, and their families often come to visit them. Sandoz wants his mom to visit him, but she is elderly, and traveling via London is too hard.