Wizz Air UK Seeks Approval for US Flight Routes
Wizz Air UK, the British branch of the low-cost airline, is seeking approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate flights to the United States. This application was filed on January 23, 2026, and is supported by the 2020 Open Skies agreement between the US and the UK.
Key Details of Wizz Air UK’s Application
The application was submitted by Holland & Knight, the legal counsel representing Wizz Air UK. Notably, William Franke, the Chairman of WA Holdings, which oversees Wizz Air UK, is a US citizen. This could positively influence the approval process.
Previous Application and Changes in Strategy
- In January 2022, Wizz Air applied for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) to enable cargo operations.
- This prior application faced opposition from various pilot unions and was ultimately denied.
- Wizz Air’s current intent to launch passenger flights to the US marks a significant shift from its previous strategy of avoiding the North American market.
In a 2023 interview with AeroTime, Wizz Air CEO Joszef Várady dismissed expansion plans for the North American market. However, strategic changes since then, including a reduction in Middle Eastern operations, suggest a flexible business approach.
Aircraft Fleet and Operational Capabilities
As of January 2026, Wizz Air UK operates a fleet of 21 A321neo aircraft, three of which are XLR variants. These aircraft can cover distances of 4,700 nautical miles (about 8,700 kilometers), enabling access to considerable parts of the US from the UK.
Further, Wizz Air UK plans to acquire an additional eight A321XLR aircraft, which would enhance its operational capacity for scheduled services to the United States.
Test Flight and Market Potential
In November 2025, Wizz Air conducted a test flight with an A321XLR, transporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban from Budapest to Washington, DC. This operation hinted at the airline’s potential capabilities in transatlantic travel.
The entry of Wizz Air into the US market could significantly alter the competitive landscape. Currently, travelers have numerous options for nonstop flights between the US and UK, but no pure low-cost carrier is available.
Future Possibilities
Should Wizz Air secure approval, there is speculation about its mainline EU subsidiary following suit. This could create exciting opportunities for growth at Central and Eastern European airports, such as Budapest, which currently offer limited or no transatlantic services.
In conclusion, Wizz Air UK’s application for US flights promises to reshape the market dynamics, offering potential benefits to consumers and underserved regions alike.
