Since Norse Atlantic’s inaugural flight in June 2022, the airline has cut 12 US routes and ceased operations to five US airports. The abandoned routes include London Gatwick to Las Vegas, which was recently discontinued and not as a seasonal suspension. The airline also plans to end Gatwick to Miami flights. Norse is increasingly targeting routes from Southern Europe to the US, alongside launching winter services to destinations like Bangkok and Cape Town.
The long-haul low-cost carrier market is challenging. Norse Atlantic prioritizes charters and leasing over scheduled flights, with IndiGo receiving a third of its Boeing 787-9 fleet. Seat load factors on Norse flights reached a record 93% in February, aided by capacity reductions on certain routes. However, lower revenue per passenger raises concerns about sustainability.
According to Cirium Diio data, Norse has operated 24 US routes since June 2022, half of which have been or will be terminated by April 2025. Most routes had a short duration, some ending after only a single season. This frequent restructuring raises questions about decision-making and may affect customer confidence.
Norse initially flew to Fort Lauderdale as a more affordable and less crowded option than Miami, later transitioning to Miami for better visibility with European connections. Despite the competitive market, two Miami routes have either ended or will soon.
Norse’s US network now centers on connecting Southern Europe with the US, aligning with rising demand. A new route from Rome Fiumicino to Los Angeles began on April 1, with five weekly flights. This route, at a block time of 12 hours and 40 minutes, reflects strong early bookings, although fare details remain undisclosed. In June, the Athens to Los Angeles route will usurp it as the longest route, covering 6,020 nautical miles each way.
