Ultralow-cost carrier Wizz Air has applied to the US Department of Transportation for authority to operate passenger services between the United Kingdom and the United States, according to a regulatory filing published on 26 January. The airline told US officials it wants to begin flights “as soon as possible,” citing consumer benefits such as increased competition and lower fares on transatlantic routes.
If approved, the move would mark Wizz Air’s first foray into long-haul operations and the return of true budget competition on UK-US sectors after Norwegian’s withdrawal in 2021. Industry analysts note that Wizz Air’s cost base is among the lowest in Europe; even with higher fuel burn on long-haul aircraft, the carrier could undercut legacy airlines’ business-class fares and stimulate new demand among cost-conscious SMEs and remote workers.
The filing lists London Luton—Wizz Air’s maintenance hub and largest UK base—as the principal point for aircraft servicing, but it does not specify initial city pairs. Routes to secondary US airports such as Baltimore, Newark, or Stewart International are seen as likely given slot constraints at Heathrow and Gatwick. Wizz Air said it has maintained a ‘clean safety and tariff record’ for the past five years, a key criterion for US approval.
![Wizz Air files with US regulators to launch low-cost UK–US flights]()
Even with bargain airfares, travellers and corporations still need the right paperwork; VisaHQ can simplify everything from a UK passenger’s ESTA to a full US work visa, and vice-versa, all through a quick online workflow at https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/
Travel-programme managers should watch the application’s progress: approval could unlock cheaper last-minute fares for short-notice assignee travel, albeit with the trade-off of tighter seat pitch and fewer inflight amenities. Human-resources teams may also need to revisit travel policies if staff begin booking the new ultra-low-cost option rather than traditional carriers.
The DOT typically takes two to three months to process foreign-carrier permits, so the earliest flights could commence in summer 2026—just in time for the peak expatriate-assignment rotation and holiday season.
If approved, the move would mark Wizz Air’s first foray into long-haul operations and the return of true budget competition on UK-US sectors after Norwegian’s withdrawal in 2021. Industry analysts note that Wizz Air’s cost base is among the lowest in Europe; even with higher fuel burn on long-haul aircraft, the carrier could undercut legacy airlines’ business-class fares and stimulate new demand among cost-conscious SMEs and remote workers.
The filing lists London Luton—Wizz Air’s maintenance hub and largest UK base—as the principal point for aircraft servicing, but it does not specify initial city pairs. Routes to secondary US airports such as Baltimore, Newark, or Stewart International are seen as likely given slot constraints at Heathrow and Gatwick. Wizz Air said it has maintained a ‘clean safety and tariff record’ for the past five years, a key criterion for US approval.
Even with bargain airfares, travellers and corporations still need the right paperwork; VisaHQ can simplify everything from a UK passenger’s ESTA to a full US work visa, and vice-versa, all through a quick online workflow at https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/
Travel-programme managers should watch the application’s progress: approval could unlock cheaper last-minute fares for short-notice assignee travel, albeit with the trade-off of tighter seat pitch and fewer inflight amenities. Human-resources teams may also need to revisit travel policies if staff begin booking the new ultra-low-cost option rather than traditional carriers.
The DOT typically takes two to three months to process foreign-carrier permits, so the earliest flights could commence in summer 2026—just in time for the peak expatriate-assignment rotation and holiday season.
