Asiana Airlines launches route to Hungary in expansion strategy

Officials pose for a commemorative photo during a ceremony marking the launch of Asiana Airlines’ new Incheon–Budapest route at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, Friday. Courtesy of Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines, Korea's second-largest carrier, said Friday it has launched a route to Hungary as part of efforts to expand its European network.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on the Incheon–Budapest route, beginning with its inaugural flight Friday, the company said in a press release.

With the addition of Budapest, Asiana now serves nine cities across eight European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Britain, Spain, Turkey, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Globally, the carrier operates 68 passenger aircraft on 59 international routes serving 54 cities in 20 countries, along with seven domestic routes connecting six cities.

Separately, Asiana last year completed the sale of its cargo business to Air Incheon Co., the country's only dedicated cargo airline, for 470 billion won ($342 million).