WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department on Thursday granted tentative approval for budget carrier Wizz Air to operate flights between the UK and the United States. The
US tentatively approves budget carrier Wizz Air's request to operate UK-US flights
Tentative Approval for Wizz Air's UK-US Operations
By David Shepardson
Background and Application Details
WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department on Thursday granted tentative approval for budget carrier Wizz Air to operate flights between the UK and the U.S., saying it was in the public interest.
In January, the UK subsidiary of Wizz Air Holdings petitioned for a foreign air carrier permit to operate flights between the two countries "as soon as possible." USDOT said it was granting tentative approval but will give any opponents 21 days to file objections which it will consider before making a final decision.
Open Skies Agreement and Permit Duration
Wizz Air UK is seeking the permission to launch passenger services under the 2020 Air Transport Agreement between the two countries, known as the Open Skies Agreement. If granted final authorization, it will be effective for two years from the date of approval.
Wizz Air's Previous Attempts and Market Position
Earlier Application for All-Cargo Flights
This is the second attempt by the carrier to enter the U.S. markets, after its Hungary operations applied for a foreign air carrier permit to operate all-cargo flights to the U.S. in 2022.
Growth Opportunities for Wizz Air
Rising Tourism and US City Destinations
As global tourism spending rises, Wizz’s low‑cost model is well-placed to benefit from Europeans’ growing interest in U.S. cities such as Nashville and Boise.
Impact of Political and Economic Trends
The trend follows immigration crackdowns and rising trade tensions under the Trump administration which have slowed travel to traditional tourism hotspots in the world’s largest travel economy.
Upcoming Events and Business Optimism
Businesses are also banking on the upcoming soccer World Cup to boost travel to the U.S.
Financial Outlook and CEO Comments
Wizz Air CEO Jozsef Varadi told Reuters this week the airline expects to limit a financial hit from the Iran conflict to its fiscal year ending this month, told Reuters, with the
pressure set to ease from April after a profit warning slammed the budget airline's shares.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio)
