Direct Flights to Crete Expand Debrecen Airport’s Route Network

Debrecen International Airport is continuing to expand its tourist offerings. Travelers now have the opportunity to fly directly from Hungary’s second-largest city to the Cretan capital of Heraklion. Travel agency Kartago Tours, part of the German DERTOUR Group, is expanding its portfolio with the new offer after a successful season with flights to Tunisia last year, reports Turizmus.com.

After Kartago Tours reestablished direct flights from Debrecen to Tunisia (Monastir) last summer – a connection that had been interrupted for ten years and is very popular with passengers from Debrecen – another attractive destination is now following. Heraklion, the capital of Greece’s largest island, Crete, will be served by Corendon Airlines every Saturday. The flights will be available from May 31 to September 27.

Koules Fortress, in Heraklion, Crete. Photo: Wikipedia

“We are very pleased to be expanding our range of destinations from Debrecen in summer 2025 and at the same time opening up a completely new destination for Debrecen International Airport,” said Zsófia Bocsák, managing director of Kartago Tours. “Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece, one of the most diverse destinations in the Greek archipelago, combining the southern lifestyle, the best of Greek cuisine, historical sights, one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and high-quality accommodation. That is why we are convinced that this destination can quickly become the new favorite of travelers from Debrecen,” she added.

Zsófia Bocsák emphasized the long-term strategy of Kartago Tours and its parent company, the German DERTOUR Group, which consider regional airports in their main markets to be important hubs. “We are also pursuing this approach in Hungary, where Debrecen International Airport has been our reliable and committed partner for years,” she noted.

In addition to the new connection to Heraklion, Kartago Tours continues to offer popular holiday destinations such as the Turkish Riviera, Tunisia, and Northern Cyprus with departures from Debrecen this season.

Crete. Photo: Pixabay

“We are delighted that Kartago Tours is expanding its range of destinations from Debrecen with another seasonal charter flight this summer.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Greek islands and is now directly and conveniently accessible for travelers from eastern Hungary,”

said Ernő Györke, Managing Director of Debrecen International Airport, expressing his delight at the development. He emphasized that the weekly flight fits perfectly with the airport’s strategy of offering travelers in the region high-quality and diverse summer opportunities. “We are confident that the seasonal flight will be successful and will contribute to the further development of Debrecen International Airport and strengthen its international role,” said Ernő Györke.

Kartago Tours continuously monitors market changes and aims to offer travelers in eastern Hungary a stable and attractive range of options in the long term. The new flight to Heraklion therefore not only serves to expand the range of options, but also to further strengthen international air traffic from Debrecen.

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