Wizz Air Launches UK to US Flights Before World Cup

US tourism is facing significant challenges, with ongoing tensions with Iran creating uncertainty for travelers. According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the US is projected to lose an estimated £9,350,000,000 in international visitor spending in 2025. This decline has raised concerns about the future of the country’s travel industry.

However, one budget airline is optimistic about the potential for a rebound in travel, especially as the FIFA World Cup approaches. Wizz Air has received the necessary permits to operate flights between the UK and the US, marking a major expansion of its international operations. The airline is positioning itself as a key player for fans looking to attend the tournament.

Wizz Air has announced its intention to “deliver exceptional charter experiences and bring fans closer to the action in the United States.” With 18% of total international bookings into the US, Mexico, and Canada during the World Cup dates coming from the UK, this could be a significant opportunity for the airline to establish its presence in the market.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place between June 11 and July 19, and it will be the first tri-nation competition hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. In the US, the host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Wizz Air has positioned itself as a “flexible” and “reliable” partner for teams, fan organizations, tour operators, and private groups. Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK, stated that receiving approval to operate between the UK and the US is a “proud and exciting day” for the company. She added that it opens up incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters traveling across the Atlantic.

Despite the potential for a boost in tourism, the US travel industry is facing losses. 2026 should, in theory, be a monumental year for the US tourism sector. On July 4, the country will celebrate 250 years of independence, which will be marked with parties, fireworks, and celebrations across all 50 states. It also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which will feature themed activities and events along the 2,400-mile stretch.

Additionally, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance may have sparked interest among some tourists who might want to visit Los Angeles or New York in hopes of catching a glimpse of the singer. However, despite these factors, the World Travel & Tourism Council and Oxford Economics reported that the US was the only country among 184 economies analyzed that was forecast to see international visitor spending decline in 2025.

The report also indicated that international visitor spending to the US was projected to fall to just under $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024. Some analysts suggest that this decline can be attributed to the policies and rhetoric of former US President Donald Trump. Mass deportations, detaining foreign nationals, and threats have led many tourists to avoid the US, with some even boycotting the country entirely.

This sentiment has been amplified online, with both residents and tourists expressing concerns about the US being a less desirable travel destination.

Despite the overall decline in tourism, there is still strong data suggesting that thousands of Brits are planning to travel to the US for the FIFA World Cup. For those considering the trip, it is advisable to book long-haul flights six months in advance, as transatlantic flights can be expensive.

OAG, a global provider of digital flight information, analyzed fares for June and July 2026 and compared them with the same months in 2025. Interestingly, fares from Europe to eight of the 11 host cities for travel in June and July have decreased compared to 2025. However, attending matches featuring England will still be costly.

The first England game in the World Cup will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on June 17. A direct roundtrip flight from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic currently costs £1,090 and takes an average of 12 hours. Adding a layover, such as in Iceland, can often reduce the price by over £100.

Once in the US, hotel prices during the World Cup period can vary significantly. Budget hotels in Dallas typically start at $200 per night, but prices will surge ahead of the tournament. Staying at least 25-30 minutes away from the stadium, such as in South Arlington, can help minimize costs.

Overall, a trip to the FIFA World Cup this year will be a significant expense. However, for many fans, it will be worth the cost.