Budget airline Wizz Air has received official approval to operate flights to the United States. The airline, known for its routes connecting the UK to various European destinations, is now gearing up to offer specialized charter flights for football fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
In response to this regulatory milestone, Wizz Air is set to provide customized charter services for groups, including teams, supporters, and tour operators arranging travel to the USA. While the airline clarified that regular commercial flights to the US are not in the works, the newly obtained authorization signifies a significant accomplishment following months of meticulous preparation and operational coordination.
Individual travelers may not be able to book standard flights, but those organizing group trips, tours, or seeking exclusive travel experiences will have the opportunity to charter transatlantic flights with Wizz Air.
Yvonne Moynihan, the Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “Receiving approval for UK-US operations marks a major milestone for our airline. We are excited about the possibilities it presents, especially for European football teams and supporters traveling to the US this summer. We are fully prepared to deliver exceptional charter services and offer fans a close-up experience of the action in the United States.”
As the sporting event approaches, England’s schedule includes matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York, while Scotland is set to compete in Boston and Miami. Meanwhile, Wales and Northern Ireland are still vying for their spots in the tournament. In addition to games in the USA, matches will also be hosted in Canada and Mexico, the co-host countries.
Attending the World Cup matches in person is expected to come at a high cost, with ticket prices for group stage games ranging from $100 to $575 (£75 to £431). Limited £45 tickets per game have been announced by FIFA, but seats for the final match in New Jersey on July 19 are anticipated to be particularly expensive, ranging from $2,030 to $6,370 (£1,500 to £4,800) at face value, with resellers likely to charge even more.
