Wizz Air cleared to launch UK–US flights ahead of 2026 World Cup

Airline secures approval for transatlantic services as it prepares to fly football fans from the UK and across Europe to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States

Wizz Air has secured approval to operate flights between the UK and the United States as it prepares to carry football fans across the Atlantic for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The carrier has received the permits needed to begin transatlantic services, marking a major expansion beyond its traditional European network.

The move comes ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico — the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries.

Wizz Air said the new permissions would allow it to begin operating flights designed to bring supporters to matches in the U.S, where the majority of the tournament will be staged.

Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, described the approval as a major step for the airline.

“This is a proud and exciting day for everyone at our airline,” she added.

“Receiving approval to operate between the UK and the United States is a huge milestone for our company. It opens the door to incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters travelling across the Atlantic this summer.”

Data from travel bookings suggests British fans could form a large share of visitors travelling to North America for the tournament.

According to industry figures cited by the airline, about 18 per cent of international bookings to the U.S, Mexico and Canada during the World Cup period originate in the UK, creating a sizeable market for direct transatlantic flights.

The U.S will host matches in 11 cities, including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Seattle and San Francisco, while Canada and Mexico will host a smaller number of games.

Wizz Air said it intends to position itself as a “flexible” and “reliable” charter partner for teams, supporter groups, tour operators and private travel groups heading to the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events in the world and is expected to draw millions of international visitors to North America.

READ MORE: ‘Air India and Lufthansa expand codeshare to nearly 100 routes across Europe and India‘. The Star Alliance partners have widened their long-standing cooperation, adding Austrian Airlines and opening up dozens of new one-ticket connections between 12 Indian and 26 European cities, alongside extended links into the Americas and Australia. 

Do you have news to share or expertise to contribute? The European welcomes insights from business leaders and sector specialists. Get in touch with our editorial team to find out more.

_{Main image: Wizz Air}