Norwegian airlines new direct flight to Tampa

The low cost carrier Norwegian Airline is expanding in the US market as they announced on Monday that it will start direct flights twice a week between London Gatwick and Tampa International Airport on October 31.

Bookings are available online at Norwegian’s web site with introductory economy fares starting at about £175/$215 in Economy and $604.90 in premium.

The new service also brings a couple of firsts for Tampa International:

• It will be the first time Tampa passengers have a choice of two nonstop airlines to the same European city. (British Airways flies daily between Tampa and Gatwick.)

• It will be the first regularly scheduled service at Tampa International Airport flying Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, known for their quiet, comfy rides and good fuel efficiency. They have 309 economy seats and 35 premium seats.

"As our community continues to grow, the airport is growing with it," 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."

With Norwegian Air, Tampa International now has seven international carriers and flies 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.

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The Norwegian flights will fly out of Tampa at 10:50 p.m. Wednesdays, arriving in London at 10:45 a.m. Thursdays.

On Saturdays, flights will leave at 10 p.m. with arrival in London at 9:55 a.m. Sundays.

From London, the flights will leave 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.