Wizz Air’s UK-based subsidiary, Wizz Air UK, has submitted an application to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Foreign Air Carrier Permit required to operate scheduled and charter flights between the United Kingdom and the United States.
In its request filed on January 23, the airline referred to the “open skies” agreement concluded between the United States and the United Kingdom in 2020, which largely liberalized air transport between the two countries. Based on this agreement and relevant U.S. regulations, Wizz Air UK asked for an expedited and simplified review of its application.
In its submission, the airline stated that it is seeking authorization to operate scheduled and charter services carrying passengers, baggage, and mail between any points in the United Kingdom and the United States, and potentially onward to or from third countries. The application also includes permission to operate cargo and other charter flights.
Wizz Air UK added that it currently plans to launch only passenger charter services, depending on seasonality and market demand. However, it is requesting authorization covering the full scope of rights available under the US–UK open skies agreement so that it may introduce scheduled services in the future without having to submit a new application.
According to the airline, the planned flights would be launched as soon as possible. Wizz Air believes the new services would expand travel options and strengthen competition in the air transport markets between the United States and the United Kingdom.
When issuing a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP), U.S. authorities examine several factors, including the applicant airline’s safety compliance, regulatory approvals, ownership structure, operational practices, and maintenance standards.
As previously reported, Wizz Air CEO József Váradi has repeatedly ruled out launching transatlantic services, even after ordering long-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Currently, three A321XLR aircraft are operating in the Wizz Air UK fleet. Last November, the airline reduced its original order for 47 A321XLR aircraft to just 11 units.