Wizz Air Cleared for First UK–US World Cup Charter Flights
Wizz Air has received approval to operate flights between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the first time the airline has been authorised to cross the Atlantic. The permits will allow the budget carrier to run charter services linked to the upcoming World Cup. Rather than launching scheduled routes, the airline plans to organise special flights carrying football teams and supporters travelling to matches in the United States.
The airline confirmed that regular transatlantic services are not part of its plans for now. Instead, the newly granted permissions will be used for charter flights during the tournament period. Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, described the approval as an important step for the company, opening opportunities to transport European teams and fans across the Atlantic during the World Cup season.
“It opens the door to incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters travelling across the Atlantic this summer."
Charter flights planned for the World Cup
- Charter services between the UK and the United States
- Flights arranged for football teams and supporters
- Travel packages for groups and individual fans
Bookings for these charter trips are already available through the airline’s website. Wizz Air has never operated transatlantic flights before, although it runs several longer routes within its existing network.
Supporters travelling across the Atlantic for the tournament may spend time in several American host cities during their trips. Between matches, many visitors are likely to explore stadium districts, museums and well-known cultural sites. Following a team through the competition can also involve moving between cities as the tournament progresses.
The approval marks a new step for Wizz Air, an airline mainly known for short-haul flights across Europe. Flying across the Atlantic, even through charter services, adds a different type of route to its network. With large numbers of fans expected to travel for the tournament, these flights give football supporters another way to reach the United States during the World Cup.
