Wizz Air Shuts Down U.S. Route Talk, Keeps World Cup Charters in Play

Wizz Air has spiked speculation that it is preparing to launch scheduled transatlantic flights. However, the European ultra low-cost carrier has left the door open to “opportunistic charter” operations to serve this summer’s World Cup tournament.

Speaking on the airline’s earnings call Thursday, chief financial officer Ian Malin ruled out plans for scheduled service to the United States. He directly addressed industry buzz sparked earlier this week by a U.S. Department of Transportation application from Wizz Air’s UK unit.

“I just want to clarify one rumor going around. We do not have plans for scheduled service to the United States,” Malin said. “But we have applied for charter rights for the World Cup, potent