A quiet ambition is stirring within Wizz Air, the Hungarian budget airline rapidly becoming a European powerhouse. While largely unknown to American travelers, the company has quietly filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation, hinting at a potential expansion across the Atlantic.
The initial spark was a request for charter rights to support travel related to the World Cup. However, buried within that application was a request for the future possibility of scheduled service – a move that quickly fueled speculation about Wizz Air’s long-term plans.
Company officials are now downplaying immediate intentions. They insist the “scheduled service” checkbox was simply selected as a matter of course, and that current focus remains on opportunistic charter flights. Despite this, the application itself reveals a clear desire to retain the option for future transatlantic routes.
Wizz Air’s rise has been remarkable. Last year, it became the third-largest airline in Europe by seat capacity, yet it lacks the flamboyant leadership or widespread brand recognition of competitors like Ryanair and EasyJet. This relative anonymity belies a significant connection to the American aviation landscape.
The airline is, in fact, the European arm of Indigo Partners, a Phoenix-based private equity firm. Indigo also holds controlling stakes in several successful North and South American budget carriers, including Frontier Airlines, JetSmart, and Volaris. This American backing provides a solid foundation for potential expansion.
Currently, Wizz Air’s fleet is limited in its ability to tackle long-haul routes. The Airbus A321XLR is the only aircraft capable of making the journey, but its single-aisle configuration and potential for a densely packed, all-economy layout might not appeal to passengers accustomed to wider cabins on transatlantic flights.
The airline possesses a small but growing fleet of A321XLRs, alongside a larger number of A321neos. These aircraft could potentially serve destinations in the northeastern United States from its U.K. bases at London Gatwick and Luton airports.
History offers cautionary tales. Previous attempts to launch budget transatlantic service with similar single-aisle aircraft have faltered. Icelandic carrier Play Airlines recently ceased operations, and before the pandemic, both Norwegian Air and Wow Air briefly offered low-cost flights before collapsing.
However, the current landscape is shifting. Major European airline groups are consolidating, acquiring independent rivals and potentially reducing competition. Wizz Air’s entry could disrupt this trend, offering a new, budget-friendly option for travelers.
Despite its growth, Wizz Air isn’t without its challenges. A recent closure of its Abu Dhabi subsidiary demonstrates the risks of rapid expansion, and ongoing engine issues with its Airbus fleet have grounded a significant portion of its aircraft, impacting operations.
The airline’s potential arrival in the U.S. market represents a fascinating development. It’s a story of a European discounter with American roots, cautiously testing the waters of a highly competitive and often unforgiving industry.
