As speculation grows about the future of Norwegian, the low-cost airline has announced a dramatic expansion of long-haul flights from Gatwick for the coming winter.
Norwegian launches a new twice-weekly link from the Sussex airport to Tampa from 31 October 2018. It will compete direct with British Airway"™ daily nonstop service from Gatwick. The lead-in fare on Norwegian is £175.
A spokesperson for British Airways said: "With all the hidden extras, Norwegian customers will find themselves paying virtually the same as British Airways if they buy just one meal, a drink, snack and a single movie for the nine-hour flight."
A spokesperson for Norwegian said: "We have never charged for inflight entertainment and provide customers with clear choices throughout the booking process to enhance their journey, such as pre-ordering a meal or choosing a preferred seat.
«We look forward to welcoming passengers on board who wish to experience a new and fresh way to travel to Tampa."
The Oslo-based airline will also increase services to daily on the routes from Gatwick to Boston, Fort Lauderdale and Buenos Aires "“ again, competing with BA"™s existing operations.
But links to Austin and Seattle have been dropped for the winter, and services to Chicago and Oakland are being reduced.
Thomas Ramdahl, the carrier"™s chief commercial officer, said: "Norwegian continues to offer customers increased choice, flexibility and value throughout winter 2018."
The launch was announced as MPs prepare to vote on expansion at Heathrow. In 2015 the Davies Commission recommended against a second runway at Gatwick and in favour of a third at Heathrow, which the government has endorsed.
Gatwick has long claimed that its expansion proposals are cheaper and less controversial, and that it has strong potential as a long-haul hub…
