Airport adds new direct flight to UK

TAMPA — Norwegian Air will launch twice-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.

TIA currently offers daily service to London Gatwick via British Airways; the addition of the Norwegian flights will, for the first time, offer Tampa 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,” states TIA CEO Joe Lopano in a press release. “As our community continues to grow, the airport is growing with it. 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 offered via a 787-9 Dreamliner — the first such aircraft with regularly scheduled service at TPA, the release states.

Introductory one-way, economy class fares will start at $214.90.