Wizz Air UK Subsidiary Seeks Approval for US Flight Operations

Wizz Air UK, the British branch of the ultra-low-cost carrier, has sought authorization from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to initiate flight services to the United States.

The application was submitted on January 23, 2026, by Holland & Knight, the legal representatives for Wizz Air UK. It references the Open Skies agreement established in 2020 between the US and the UK, requesting rights for both scheduled and charter operations across the Atlantic.

A key point in this proposal is that William Franke, the Chairman of WA Holdings, which oversees Wizz Air UK, is a US citizen.

In January 2022, Wizz Air had previously applied for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) to enable cargo operations within the US. However, that request faced opposition from several pilot unions and was ultimately denied.

Should Wizz Air succeed in launching US flights, it would mark a significant shift from the airline’s prior stance on the Transatlantic passenger market.

In an Executive Spotlight interview with AeroTime in 2023, Wizz Air’s CEO, Joszef Várady, had dismissed the idea of expanding into the North American market. Nevertheless, the airline’s strategy has evolved considerably since then. This includes withdrawing from certain Middle Eastern markets and making adjustments to capacity.

As of January 2026, Wizz Air UK operates a fleet of 21 A321neo aircraft, three of which are the XLR variant, boasting a range of 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km). This range is sufficient for flying to major destinations across the United States from the UK. Wizz Air UK is also set to receive an additional eight of these aircraft soon, enhancing its capability for regular US services.

In November 2025, Wizz Air conducted a trial operation when one of its A321XLR planes transported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban from Budapest (BUD) to Washington DC along with an official delegation.

The entry of Wizz Air into the Transatlantic market could significantly alter the competitive landscape. Currently, while there are numerous nonstop flight options between the US and the UK, none are offered by a dedicated low-cost carrier.

Furthermore, the potential for Wizz Air to later secure permissions for its mainline European subsidiary adds an exciting dimension to this development. This would present intriguing growth opportunities for airports in Central and Eastern Europe, like Budapest, which have limited or no Transatlantic services at present.

Could this represent a game-changer in transatlantic travel?