Wizz Air has been granted permission to operate flights between the UK and US by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the US.
The budget carrier’s UK subsidiary applied in January for a foreign air carrier permit to offer both scheduled and chartered flights between the UK and US. The DOT approved the application on Thursday (5 March), subject to receiving any objections in the following 21 days.
Wizz Air reiterated that it currently has “no intention or plans to launch regular commercial flights to the US”, and would instead offer charter flights between the UK and US.
In a statement, the airline said it was looking to provide charter flights for European football teams and supporters travelling to the FIFA World Cup tournament this summer, which is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico. It will also offer charter services to corporate groups, tour operators, sports organisations and private travellers.
Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, added: “Receiving approval to operate between the UK and the United States is a huge milestone for our company.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and professionalism of our entire team. We are excited to welcome passengers on board and to celebrate this new chapter as we expand our reach across the Atlantic.”
Wizz Air’s current UK fleet is made up of 21 Airbus A321 aircraft, including three A321XLRs, which would be able to serve transatlantic routes between the UK and US.