Wizz Air’s UK-based subsidiary has filed an application with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking authority to operate services between the UK and the United States, marking a renewed attempt by the ultra-low-cost carrier to position itself for transatlantic flying.
Wizz Air UK’s application seeks an exemption and a foreign air carrier permit from the US DOT that would allow it to operate passenger, cargo and mail services between the UK and the US under the bilateral Open Skies agreement.
While the carrier says it initially plans to operate only passenger charter flights, it is also requesting full scheduled-service authority so it can move into regular operations without filing a new application.
The airline would use its fleet of 21 Airbus A321-family aircraft, including long-range variants, and is seeking a waiver of US ownership and control rules, citing precedent under Open Skies and the fact that Wizz Air Holdings chairman William Franke is a US citizen. The filing does not specify routes or start dates and requests expedited regulatory review.
Wizz Air previously explored the US market through a cargo-focused application in 2022, but that proposal was denied following objections from pilot unions.