Low-cost airline to launch flights from UK to US ahead of World Cup this summer

A whole new world of possibilities.

The low-cost aviation game has been a fierce competition in Europe for decades now with the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and more battling it out for the cheapest air fares.

However, for as long as low-cost short-haul flights have existed, the question over the potential for long-haul low-cost services has also loomed large.

For a sustained period of time, however, this market proved hard to make work, and debatably still is.

The likes of Norwegian and WOW both previously tried to service this market, but could not make operations justifiable, eventually ending the services.

Currently Norse offer the lowest-cost flights across the Atlantic, with return tickets often available for under £300.

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus operate cheap flights from Manchester to the East Coast of America, however, the airline has stopped taking bookings for these flights.

Now, there is a new competitor in the field, and it's a name everyone is surely familiar with, Wizz Air.

That's right, everyone's favourite purple and pink coloured airline is looking at launching flights across the pond.

While Wizz Air is no stranger to a long-haul flight, previously operating flights from the UK to Abu Dhabi and the Maldives, it would be the first time they've embarked on transatlantic flights.

The airline has confirmed it received 'regulatory approval' from the US Department of Transportation to begin flights from the UK to the US.

However, this approval is for charter flights, rather than commercial.

The airline clarified they have "no intention or plans to launch regular commercial flights to the US".

Large groups and football teams will be able to charter WizzAir planes in order to get over to the US this summer, with the World Cup kicking off in North America in June.

Managing director of WizzAir, Yvonne Moynihan, told media: "This is a proud and exciting day for everyone at our airline.

"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."