Norwegian Air to launch nonstop service to London Gatwick from TPA

(June 26, 2018) Norwegian Air will launch two-times weekly nonstop flights to London’s Gatwick Airport from Tampa International Airport beginning in October, bringing a new carrier to Tampa and adding another option for reaching Europe from the Tampa Bay region. 

The new service in Tampa is part of a larger North American expansion by Norwegian Air, which the airline recently announced. Norwegian offers more nonstop European destinations from the United States than any other European airline and offers 500 routes to more than 150 destinations around the world.

TPA currently offers daily service to London Gatwick on British Airways, and the addition of the Norwegian flights will for the first time offer TPA passengers a choice of two airlines flying nonstop to the same European city. The Norwegian flights will depart from Tampa on Wednesdays at 10:50 p.m. to arrive in London at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, and on Saturdays the flights will depart at 10 p.m. to arrive in London at 9:55 a.m. Sunday. From London, the flights will depart Wednesdays at 2:55 p.m. to arrive in Tampa at 8:35 p.m. and on Saturdays at 2:05 p.m. to arrive in Tampa at 7:45 p.m.

 “The arrival of Norwegian Air is yet another example of the strength of our region. As our community continues to grow, the airport is growing with it,” Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. “We expect this to be a very popular service, particularly for our British visitors, and we look forward to a great partnership with Norwegian in coming years.”

Norwegian’s service between Tampa and London will be on a 787-9 Dreamliner with 309 Economy seats and 35 Premium Economy seats. This is the first Dreamliner with regularly scheduled service at TPA. The aircraft is known for a quiet and more comfortable ride for passengers, as well as better fuel efficiency.

Introductory fares will start at $214.90 one-way in Economy and $604.90 one-way in Premium Economy. Premium includes a dedicated check-in counter, fast track security, lounge access at selected airports, large and wide recliner seats with ample legroom, all meals and drinks and other benefits.

“We are excited to introduce another U.S. destination to our network,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Tampa Bay will be a very popular destination amongst European travelers. Similarly, Europe is in high demand among Tampa Bay and Florida residents.”

With the addition of Norwegian Air, TPA now has seven international carriers that connect to more than a dozen cities around the world. The Airport has seen a more than 120 percent increase in international passenger growth since 2011.

“International visitors have a profound economic impact on Tampa Bay every year, so we’re thrilled that Norwegian Air is providing yet another great option for Tampa Bay-bound travelers,” Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO Santiago C. Corrada said. “The UK is Tampa Bay’s largest source of overseas visitors. The addition of Norwegian means more visitors from the UK and Europe will get to discover the treasures that await here in the heart of the Gulf Coast.”

Florida’s beaches and weather have long been a favorite among British tourists and seasonal residents, and Norwegian’s Gatwick service at TPA will give visitors even more reasons to spend their dollars in the Tampa Bay area, said Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President & CEO David Downing.

“The United Kingdom remains our top-producing international market, so this new Norwegian Air service aligns perfectly with our existing strategic goals,” Downing said. “We’re confident that these additional nonstop flights will stimulate UK visitation not only to America’s best beaches, but to the entire region.”

To book a flight on Norwegian Air, visit www.norwegian.com.

For photos or video of the Norwegian 787-900 Dreamliner, visit www.media.norwegian.com/us.