UniTravel went bankrupt: what will happen to the passengers?

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 09. 11:48

After forty years of operation, UniTravel Kft., one of the oldest domestic travel agencies, has filed for insolvency. The company has stopped its operations and is asking customers who have not yet started their trip not to show up on the day of departure. The repatriation of passengers abroad is guaranteed, and compensation is covered by a statutory guarantee – writes Pénzcentrum.

According to a statement from UniTravel, the bankruptcy is due to the restructuring of the tourism market and price competition. According to the company, the aggressive marketing activities and depressed prices of an unnamed foreign player have made it impossible for traditional Hungarian players to operate. Several travel agencies are currently offering trips with significant discounts on the domestic market, which is intensifying competition and increasing market pressure.

The Budapest Metropolitan Government Office – as a commercial authority – has initiated proceedings in the case of UniTravel to examine the company’s insolvency situation and the content of its announcement. The authority aims to initiate a quick and effective procedure to protect passengers in trouble.

Balázs Bakó, spokesperson for the Association of Hungarian Travel Agencies (MUISZ), emphasized that organized trips are safe in Hungary, as the law requires mandatory financial security and a repatriation guarantee. Based on these, the return of passengers abroad is assured, and those who paid for their trip in advance but were ultimately unable to travel can also expect compensation.

According to MUISZ, although UniTravel is not a member, the association regretfully noted what happened. The spokesperson emphasized that the travel market is currently highly price-sensitive, and summer bookings are more restrained after the pre-booking season, which may pose further difficulties for market players.

According to MUISZ, although there is currently no reason to expect a mass wave of bankruptcies, the UniTravel case highlights the fierce competition in the tourism sector. The spokesperson urged affected passengers to be patient: it is important to wait until the reimbursement process is initiated after consultation between the insurer, UniTravel and the authorities. Although the law does not prescribe a precise deadline, the goal of all interested parties is a quick and transparent compensation.