Malév Hungarian Airlines and carrier OLT (Ostfriesische Lufttransport) have joined forces to launch twice-daily scheduled flights between Debrecen, Hungary and Budapest from 12 June 2006

The initiative is based on a code-share agreement between Malév and OLT, which extends beyond the existing jointly-operated Debrecen-Budapest service, and will open air links between the east Hungarian town and popular destinations abroad.

Debrecen Airport is the third busiest international aviation hub in Hungary with a catchment area extending approximately 120-150 km, thus playing a vital role in the development of tourism in this part of the country. According to Malev, the business plan indicates that by 2010 flights will carry over 50,000 passengers in and out of Debrecen each year, taking the annual total passenger turnover of the east Hungary airport to 100,000 by this date. Anticipating the increased capacity, the airport is carrying out several major investments to bring the facility up to international standards (Schengen Agreement) and to allow year-round operation from 6am to midnight.