Arsenal fans dreaming of witnessing their team in Champions League glory are in for a treat, as airlines step up to help the Gunners' faithful make the trip to Budapest for the final. With demand skyrocketing, extra flights are being laid on to ensure as many supporters as possible can be part of this historic occasion.

Wizz Air has confirmed it will double its capacity from southeast England to the Hungarian capital on May 29, operating eight flights from Luton and Gatwick airports combined. The following day, four additional flights will be scheduled, giving fans plenty of options to arrive before the 5pm BST kick-off. EasyJet is also joining the effort, adding more than 750 extra seats each way between the UK and Budapest to meet the surge in interest.

This marks Arsenal's first Champions League final appearance in two decades, following their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in Paris back in 2006. The excitement is palpable, and the airlines are responding in kind. Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, captured the mood perfectly: "Arsenal reaching the Champions League final is a massive moment for the club and for its fans – it's been a long wait. As the football airline based in London, we know exactly where supporters want to be, and that's in Budapest. We're delighted to be adding extra flights from London to get the Gunners there in force. Demand is extremely strong, so we'd encourage fans to book early and secure their seat for what promises to be a historic weekend."

However, the price of passion doesn't come cheap. The lowest fare for Wizz Air's pre-match flights on May 30 is £370, compared to just £92 for a morning flight to Budapest a week later. EasyJet's cheapest option from Luton to Budapest on the same day is £366. EasyJet noted in a statement that its pricing is "demand-led," meaning fares "start low and increase as fewer seats are available."

And it's not just flights that are seeing price hikes. Hotel rooms in Budapest are becoming a premium commodity, with some fans facing fees more than 18 times higher than normal. Most hotels are already fully booked, and those with availability are charging eye-watering rates. Analysis shows a twin or double room at the Expo Tower Hotel on match night costs 1,458 euros (£1,259)—more than 18 times the 73 euros (£63) price for arriving a day later. At Bohem Art Hotel, the cost for staying on May 31 is a staggering 1,618 euros (£1,396).

For fans ready to don their Arsenal gear and cheer on the team, the message is clear: plan ahead, book early, and be prepared for a memorable—and pricey—weekend in Budapest.