Wizz Air has been given the go-ahead to launch transatlantic flights between the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) as part of its plans to fly fans and European teams to the FIFA World Cup this summer.
On March 6, 2026, Wizz Air announced that the necessary permits to operate flights had been received after filing an application on January 23, 2026.
Wizz Air described the milestone as a “major expansion in the airline’s international operations,” but has previously stated clearly that the operation will not be permanent.
The low-cost carrier aims to provide tailored charter flights for European football teams, fans travelling to the World Cup, and groups seeking direct access to the East Coast of the US.
“This is a proud and exciting day for everyone at our airline,” said Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK. “Receiving approval to operate between the UK and the United States is a huge milestone for our company. It opens the door to incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters travelling across the Atlantic this summer.”
She added: “We are ready to deliver exceptional charter experiences and bring fans closer to the action in the United States.”
Wizz Air said that the development involved months of preparation, regulatory coordination, and operational planning.
Beyond football travel, charter services will also be available to corporate groups, tour operators, sports organizations, and private travelers seeking convenient transatlantic connections.
This week, Wizz Air began service with its first A321XLR between London and Jeddah. The 4,700 kilometer flight has been averaging just under 6 hours. https://t.co/cKyO0XZXr7 pic.twitter.com/nirenEkTf5
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 4, 2025
In a 2023 Executive Spotlight interview with AeroTime, Wizz Air’s CEO, Joszef Várady, explicitly ruled out expanding in the North American market.
However, the carrier’s strategy has changed significantly in the intervening years, including a withdrawal from some Middle Eastern markets and a readjusting of capacity.
In November 2025, one of the airline’s A321XLR aircraft flew Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, between Budapest (BUD) and Washington DC, together with an official delegation.
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