Wizz Air Gets Tentative Approval to Operate U.K.-U.S. Flights

By Cristina Gallardo

U.S. authorities tentatively approved a request by Wizz Air's U.K. subsidiary for a permit to operate flights between the U.K. and the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Department cited the public interest as the grounds for its decision, but cautioned that it would consider any potential objections filed in the next 21 days to its announcement before granting final authorization.

The London-listed airline had applied for a foreign air carrier permit to operate flights between the two countries on Jan. 23.

If the Transportation Department confirms the permit, it will be effective for two years from the date of approval.

In 2022, Wizz Air's Hungary subsidiary failed to obtain a foreign air carrier permit to operate all-cargo flights to the U.S. Back then, the application met with opposition from several pilot unions, and was rejected.

Entering the U.S. market would offer new opportunities to the pan-European carrier, which recently stopped its Abu Dhabi-based operations citing engine problems caused by weather conditions and airspace closures in the Middle East due to regional conflicts. It also announced the closure of its Vienna base by this month citing unsustainable cost increases in recent years.

Write to Cristina Gallardo at cristina.gallardo@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 06, 2026 02:07 ET (07:07 GMT)