TPA gets another international bump with Norwegian, Swoop and Lufthansa
Two new carriers providing UK and Canada service combined with increased Lufthansa service to Frankfurt are expected to add more numbers to TPA’s already rapid international passenger growth.
With excited departing passengers waiting at the gate, Tampa International Airport’s first Norwegian Airlines Dreamliner made its landing at TPA the night of Halloween, making for a special treat to fans of the red-nosed livery. The Airline, which will now fly nonstop from Tampa to London Gatwick, is known for its “long haul comfort” and low fares. The milestone marks the first time TPA has launched a second airline service option to the same European city. 
The addition of Norwegian – as well as recent celebrations of Swoop Airlines service to Ontario and Lufthansa’s increased and enhanced service – continue the eight-year trend in international growth at TPA. Since 2010, TPA has increased its international service by 147 percent and more than 10 percent from Fiscal Year 17 to FY18.
On October 27, TPA celebrated its inaugural flight to Hamilton, Ontario, on Swoop Airlines – an ultra-low cost carrier owned by WestJet. The big pink livery sailed under an ARFF water arch while passengers enjoyed cake and giveaways gate-side for the inaugural flight. Swoop will fly three times weekly and service will continue year-round.
The day after Swoop’s first flight, Planespotters gathered to capture a new sight at TPA. Mainline Lufthansa replaced its Cityline carrier which served TPA since the airline began service in September 2015. The Mainline Lufthansa offers more business class seating, and of course, the classic “Lufthansa” livery rather than the previous “Star Alliance” livery. The airline is also adding a sixth weekly flight this summer – speaking volumes to our international passenger growth.
With Swoop and Norwegian joining our team of international carriers, TPA now has 14 carriers that serve international routes along with 19 international destinations. These new carriers combined with Lufthansa’s increased summer service directly demonstrate TPA’s rapid international growth which we expect to continue growing in the coming months.