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Wizz Air Eyes Atlantic flights to the US
Expansion on the Horizon?
The budget aviation world is buzzing this week following reports that Wizz Air UK has officially filed for permission to launch flights to the United States. In a move that marks a significant pivot from its recent focus on the Middle East, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) submitted its application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) in late January 2026.
According to the filings, Wizz Air is seeking to operate under the UK-US Open Skies Agreement. While the airline has historically been skeptical about the profitability of the "long-haul low-cost" model, the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) has clearly changed the game. Wizz Air UK currently operates a growing fleet of A321neos, including several specifically designated XLR units. This aircraft is considered the "silver bullet" for narrowbody transatlantic travel, offering the range to connect Western Europe to the US East Coast with the lower trip costs of a single-aisle jet.
Potential Route Options
While Wizz Air’s initial application highlights charter services likely to capitalise on the massive demand for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the filing explicitly leaves the door open for scheduled passenger flights. Industry analysts are already speculating on which routes could make the cut. London Gatwick (LGW) to New York (JFK/EWR) is the most obvious contender given the massive market size and Wizz's existing Gatwick base. London Luton (LTN) to Boston (BOS) is another strong possibility, as it would leverage the airline's dominant position at Luton to provide a unique budget link to New England.
Beyond the UK, the airline could look toward its Eastern European heartlands. A route from Budapest (BUD) to Chicago (ORD) or Warsaw (WAW) to New York would serve high "Visiting Friends and Relatives" (VFR) demand that is currently underserved by low-cost options.
Navigating the Hurdles
Success is far from guaranteed, as the transatlantic budget graveyard is well-populated with names like Norwegian and WOW Air. Wizz Air will have to navigate potential regulatory delays, specifically regarding "effective control" and ownership requirements that the DOT has scrutinized in the past. Furthermore, the airline will face stiff competition from JetBlue, which already utilizes the A321LR on these routes, and legacy carriers that have become much more aggressive with their "Basic Economy" pricing.
Whether Wizz Air truly intends to become a permanent transatlantic player or is simply positioning itself for lucrative sporting charters remains to be seen. However, for the frequent flyers at Forums4airports, the prospect of ultra-low fares to the United States is a development worth watching closely as the 2026 summer season approaches.
Expansion on the Horizon?
The budget aviation world is buzzing this week following reports that Wizz Air UK has officially filed for permission to launch flights to the United States. In a move that marks a significant pivot from its recent focus on the Middle East, the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) submitted its application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) in late January 2026.
According to the filings, Wizz Air is seeking to operate under the UK-US Open Skies Agreement. While the airline has historically been skeptical about the profitability of the "long-haul low-cost" model, the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) has clearly changed the game. Wizz Air UK currently operates a growing fleet of A321neos, including several specifically designated XLR units. This aircraft is considered the "silver bullet" for narrowbody transatlantic travel, offering the range to connect Western Europe to the US East Coast with the lower trip costs of a single-aisle jet.
Potential Route Options
While Wizz Air’s initial application highlights charter services likely to capitalise on the massive demand for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the filing explicitly leaves the door open for scheduled passenger flights. Industry analysts are already speculating on which routes could make the cut. London Gatwick (LGW) to New York (JFK/EWR) is the most obvious contender given the massive market size and Wizz's existing Gatwick base. London Luton (LTN) to Boston (BOS) is another strong possibility, as it would leverage the airline's dominant position at Luton to provide a unique budget link to New England.
Beyond the UK, the airline could look toward its Eastern European heartlands. A route from Budapest (BUD) to Chicago (ORD) or Warsaw (WAW) to New York would serve high "Visiting Friends and Relatives" (VFR) demand that is currently underserved by low-cost options.
Navigating the Hurdles
Success is far from guaranteed, as the transatlantic budget graveyard is well-populated with names like Norwegian and WOW Air. Wizz Air will have to navigate potential regulatory delays, specifically regarding "effective control" and ownership requirements that the DOT has scrutinized in the past. Furthermore, the airline will face stiff competition from JetBlue, which already utilizes the A321LR on these routes, and legacy carriers that have become much more aggressive with their "Basic Economy" pricing.
Whether Wizz Air truly intends to become a permanent transatlantic player or is simply positioning itself for lucrative sporting charters remains to be seen. However, for the frequent flyers at Forums4airports, the prospect of ultra-low fares to the United States is a development worth watching closely as the 2026 summer season approaches.
