Wizz Air UK Sets Sights on Transatlantic Expansion with US Flight Application

Wizz Air UK, the British arm of the low-cost giant, has initiated a significant strategic shift by formally petitioning the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for the authority to operate flights between the United Kingdom and the United States. The application, submitted on January 23, 2026, by the legal firm Holland & Knight, seeks both an exemption and a foreign air carrier permit. This legal move is designed to grant Wizz Air UK the ability to provide a comprehensive range of scheduled and charter passenger and cargo services under the existing UK-US Open Skies Agreement. The airline is pushing for an expedited review process, aiming to launch operations as soon as possible, with an initial emphasis on charter passenger services to gauge market appetite before committing to a full-scale scheduled rollout.

This development represents a notable departure from the airline's previous stance. In 2023, CEO József Váradi had expressed skepticism regarding the viability of the transatlantic market for Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model. However, the company is now recalibrating its focus following a retreat from expansion efforts in the Middle East. This includes the closure of its Abu Dhabi base, a decision influenced by heightened regional political tensions and the accelerated degradation of aircraft engines in the area's harsh, high-temperature environment. Central to this new transatlantic ambition is the Airbus A321XLR fleet. While the airline currently possesses three of these long-range narrow-body aircraft, only two are operational; the third is undergoing repairs following a tail strike incident that occurred in Prague in September 2025.

The Airbus A321XLR serves as the technological cornerstone for this expansion, as industry analysts view the aircraft as a perfect fit for lower-density transatlantic routes. Its range capabilities allow for non-stop flights across the Atlantic that were previously difficult for narrow-body jets. Within the broader Wizz Air group, two additional A321XLR units are currently grounded, serving as engine donors for other aircraft in the fleet. It is worth noting that in November 2025, Wizz Air significantly scaled back its commitment to this specific model, reducing its total order from 47 to just 11 aircraft. The remaining 36 slots were converted into standard A321neo orders, suggesting a more targeted and selective deployment of the long-range variant.

A critical component of the DOT application involves the complex issues of ownership and control. Wizz Air UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WA Holdings, which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange. To navigate the Department of Transportation’s stringent regulations regarding foreign ownership, the application highlights the US citizenship of William Franke, the Chairman of WA Holdings. Franke is a titan in the aviation industry, having served as the Chairman of Frontier Airlines since 2013 and being a renowned pioneer of the ULCC model through Indigo Partners. His involvement is being leveraged as a primary argument for granting the necessary exemptions.

This is not the first time the airline has sought entry into the American market; a previous attempt in January 2022 to secure cargo flight authority was blocked following opposition from pilot unions. Currently, the airline is awaiting a decision on its exemption request by February 9, 2026, with a ruling on the permanent permit expected by February 13, 2026. This move signals Wizz Air's intent to test the waters of the transatlantic ultra-low-cost segment, utilizing the A321XLR's efficiency to tap into routes once deemed unprofitable. Despite this optimism, the group continues to grapple with technical hurdles. CFO Ian Malin noted in October that ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines continue to impact operations, with a full resolution not anticipated until the end of 2027.