Hungary to offer Emirates fifth freedom aviation rights

Hungary is to offer Emirates fifth freedom rights in a move that is likely to irk some of Europe’s largest carriers lamenting the expansion of the fast-growing Gulf airlines. Hungary’s minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said Wednesday his country has agreed to offer fifth freedom rights to Emirates after an approach by the govt of the United Arab Emirates. Hungary has been without a national airline since 2012 when Malev declared bankruptcy, though Budapest is the headquarters of Wizz Air, whose network has included Dubai since 2013. Szijjártó said he hopes Emirates, which already flies daily to Budapest, will transform the country into a regional hub for air traffic. Szijjártó said he was due to meet with Emirates later Wednesday. <br/>