Norse Atlantic Airways Cuts US Routes, Launches New Thailand Flights

Key Takeaways

• Norse Atlantic Airways cuts US routes to focus on new direct flights to Thailand starting late 2024 and 2025.
• New Thailand flights operate from London, Manchester, Stockholm, and Oslo with Boeing 787 Dreamliners seating 338 passengers.
• Passengers on canceled US routes should contact Norse Atlantic for refunds; travelers must check Thai visa requirements.

Norse Atlantic Airways is making major changes to its flight network in 2025, shifting its focus from the United States 🇺🇸 to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand 🇹🇭. This update explains what’s changing, who is affected, when the changes take effect, what travelers need to do, and what these changes mean for people with existing or future travel plans. The information below is based on the most recent updates as of July 9, 2025, and includes official statements, practical steps, and expert analysis to help travelers and stakeholders understand the impact of these changes.

Summary of What Changed

Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norwegian long-haul low-cost airline, has decided to cut several US routes and launch new direct flights to Thailand 🇹🇭 from Europe. This is a big change in the airline’s strategy. Instead of focusing on transatlantic flights between Europe and the United States 🇺🇸, Norse Atlantic Airways is now putting more resources into flights between Europe and Southeast Asia.

Key Changes:
– US Route Cuts: Some routes between Europe and the United States 🇺🇸, including flights from London Gatwick, have been discontinued. The airline is reducing its US presence to focus on more profitable and popular markets.
– Thailand Flights: Norse Atlantic Airways is launching several new direct flights to Thailand 🇹🇭, including routes from London Gatwick, Manchester, Stockholm, and Oslo to Bangkok and Phuket.

Who Is Affected

• Travelers to the United States 🇺🇸: Passengers who planned to fly with Norse Atlantic Airways on discontinued US routes will need to find other airlines or routes.
• Travelers to Thailand 🇹🇭: People in Scandinavia and the UK who want to visit Thailand 🇹🇭 now have more direct, affordable options. This is especially helpful for families, business travelers, and those visiting friends and relatives.
• Airline Employees and Partners: Staff and business partners connected to the affected US routes may see changes in their work or business relationships.
• Aviation Industry: Competing airlines may need to adjust their own routes and prices in response to Norse Atlantic Airways’ new focus.

Effective Dates

• US Route Cuts: The reduction in US routes is already underway in 2025. Some routes have already stopped, while others will end soon.
• Thailand Flights: New direct flights to Thailand 🇹🇭 are launching throughout late 2024 and 2025. Here are the main launch dates:
  • London Gatwick (LGW) – Bangkok (BKK): Service started in late 2024, increasing to four flights per week from November 30, 2025.
  • Manchester (MAN) – Bangkok (BKK): First flight on November 26, 2025 (every Wednesday).
  • Stockholm (ARN) – Bangkok (BKK): Started October 28, 2025 (twice a week).
  • Oslo (OSL) – Bangkok (BKK): Already running with three flights per week.
  • Stockholm (ARN) – Phuket (HKT): Starts December 4, 2025 (once a week).
  • Oslo (OSL) – Phuket (HKT): Starts December 8, 2025 (once a week).

Required Actions for Travelers

If you are affected by these changes, here’s what you need to do:

For Passengers on Discontinued US Routes:
– Check Your Booking: If you have a ticket for a canceled US route, contact Norse Atlantic Airways for information about refunds, rebooking, or alternative options.
– Find Alternatives: Look for other airlines that fly to your US destination. Major carriers like British Airways, Delta, and United may offer similar routes.

For Passengers Interested in Thailand Flights:
– Choose Your Route: Pick from new direct flights such as Stockholm–Phuket, Oslo–Phuket, Manchester–Bangkok, or London Gatwick–Bangkok.
– Book Early: Visit the official Norse Atlantic Airways website to check schedules, prices, and availability. Promotional fares are available for early bookings.
– Check Flight Frequency: Confirm the days your chosen route operates. For example, Manchester–Bangkok flies every Wednesday.
– Prepare Travel Documents: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Check if you need a visa for Thailand 🇹🇭. For most travelers, Thailand offers a visa exemption or visa on arrival, but rules can change. Check the official Thai e-Visa website for the latest requirements.
– Complete Online Check-In: You can check in online up to 24 hours before your flight.
– Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport with enough time for security and boarding, especially for international flights.

Implications for Pending Applications and Bookings

• Existing Bookings on US Routes: If your flight is canceled, Norse Atlantic Airways should contact you with options. You may be offered a refund or a chance to rebook on another route. If you have not heard from the airline, reach out to their customer service through the website or contact center.
• Pending Bookings to Thailand 🇹🇭: If you have already booked a new Thailand flight, your booking remains valid. Double-check your flight details, as schedules may change based on demand.
• Visa and Immigration: If you are traveling to Thailand 🇹🇭, make sure you meet all entry requirements. For travelers from the UK, Scandinavia, and most European countries, Thailand offers visa-free entry for short stays, but always confirm before you travel.

Details of the New Thailand Flights

Norse Atlantic Airways is using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for all new Thailand routes. These planes have 338 seats, with 56 in Premium Economy and 282 in Economy. The airline is starting with one or two flights per week on most routes, with plans to add more if demand is strong.

Starting Fares:
– Stockholm–Phuket: From SEK 1,600 (about £120)
– Oslo–Phuket: From NOK 1,699 (about £125)
– Manchester–Bangkok: From £259 (round-trip)
– London Gatwick–Bangkok: From £259 (round-trip), with some promotional fares as low as $131 per leg

These fares include taxes and are among the lowest available for direct long-haul flights between Europe and Thailand 🇹🇭.

Why Norse Atlantic Airways Is Making This Change

According to CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen, the airline is responding to strong demand from travelers in Scandinavia and the UK for affordable, direct flights to warm-weather destinations, especially during the winter. Many people travel to Thailand 🇹🇭 each year for holidays, business, or to visit family and friends. Until now, most had to take connecting flights, which added time and cost.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said, “Many people from the region travel there every year but until now they have had to book connecting flights. This new route will make a huge difference.”

Industry experts believe this move could change the long-haul travel market by offering more affordable and direct options. Norse Atlantic Airways is positioning itself as a low-cost alternative to established airlines like British Airways, EVA Airways, and Thai Airways, which mostly fly from London Heathrow.

How This Affects Different Groups

• Travelers: Direct flights save time and reduce the hassle of layovers. This is especially helpful for families, older travelers, and people with limited mobility.
• Business Travelers: More direct options make it easier to travel for work between Europe and Thailand 🇹🇭.
• People Visiting Family: Many people from Thailand 🇹🇭 live in Scandinavia and the UK. These new flights make it easier and cheaper to visit loved ones.
• Airline Employees: Staff working on discontinued US routes may be reassigned or see changes in their roles.
• Other Airlines: Competing airlines may lower prices or add new routes in response to Norse Atlantic Airways’ expansion.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking and Traveling on New Thailand Flights

1. Select Your Route: Choose from direct flights such as Stockholm–Phuket, Oslo–Phuket, Manchester–Bangkok, or London Gatwick–Bangkok.
2. Book Your Ticket: Go to the Norse Atlantic Airways website to check flight times and prices.
3. Check Flight Days: Make sure you know which days your flight operates. For example, Manchester–Bangkok is every Wednesday.
4. Prepare Your Documents: Have your passport and check if you need a visa for Thailand 🇹🇭. Use the official Thai e-Visa portal for up-to-date information.
5. Check In Online: Up to 24 hours before your flight, complete online check-in.
6. Arrive at the Airport: Get to the airport early to allow time for check-in, security, and boarding.
7. Enjoy Your Direct Flight: Travel straight to your destination without layovers.

Background: Norse Atlantic Airways’ History and Strategy

Norse Atlantic Airways started in 2021 as a Norwegian low-cost airline focused on long-haul flights. The airline’s original goal was to offer affordable flights between Europe and the United States 🇺🇸. Over time, Norse Atlantic Airways added flights to Africa (Cape Town) and now, with this new move, to Southeast Asia.

The decision to cut US routes and expand into Thailand 🇹🇭 is based on market demand and the need to use resources more efficiently. The airline’s modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners are fuel-efficient, helping keep costs and ticket prices low.

Future Outlook

• More Flights Possible: If the new Thailand routes are popular, Norse Atlantic Airways may add more flights or new destinations in Southeast Asia.
• Seasonal Changes: The airline may increase flights during busy travel seasons, like winter holidays.
• Industry Impact: Other airlines may respond by lowering prices or adding their own direct flights to Southeast Asia.
• No Announced US Route Additions: There are no official plans to add back US routes or expand further in the United States 🇺🇸 at this time.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Norse Atlantic Airways Website: flynorse.com
• Customer Service: Contact through the website for help with bookings, refunds, or flight changes.
• Thai Visa Information: Official Thai e-Visa Portal

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that Norse Atlantic Airways’ shift is a smart response to changing travel patterns. With more people looking for affordable, direct long-haul flights, especially from the North of England and Scandinavia, these new routes fill a gap in the market. Airport officials welcome the new flights, saying they will boost local economies and make travel easier for thousands of people. Consumer advocates point out that more competition usually means lower prices and better service for travelers.

Common Questions

• Will more US routes be cut? There are no official announcements about further US route reductions beyond those already made.
• Are more Southeast Asia destinations planned? For now, Norse Atlantic Airways has only announced flights to Bangkok and Phuket for 2025.
• What if my US flight is canceled? Contact Norse Atlantic Airways for refund or rebooking options.
• Do I need a visa for Thailand 🇹🇭? Check the official Thai e-Visa website for the latest rules based on your nationality.

Summary Table: New Norse Atlantic Airways Thailand Flights (2025)

Actionable Takeaways

• If you’re booked on a discontinued US route, contact Norse Atlantic Airways right away for your options.
• If you want to travel to Thailand 🇹🇭 from Scandinavia or the UK, check out the new direct flights for faster, cheaper travel.
• Always check visa rules before booking international travel.
• Book early to get the best fares and secure your seat on these new routes.

Norse Atlantic Airways’ move to cut US routes and launch Thailand flights is a bold change that gives travelers more choices and could reshape long-haul travel between Europe and Southeast Asia. Stay informed by checking official airline and government websites for the latest updates and requirements.

Learn Today

Norse Atlantic Airways → A Norwegian low-cost airline specializing in long-haul international flights, shifting focus from US to Southeast Asia.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft used by Norse Atlantic for new Thailand long-haul routes seating 338 passengers.
US Routes → Flight paths operated by Norse Atlantic between Europe and the United States, now reduced in 2025.
Visa Exemption → Policy allowing travelers to enter Thailand without a visa for short stays depending on nationality.
Online Check-in → Process allowing passengers to confirm their flight and get boarding passes via the internet up to 24 hours before flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

Norse Atlantic Airways shifts focus from US to Southeast Asia in 2025, launching new direct flights to Thailand. This change offers affordable, faster travel for UK and Scandinavian passengers, while discontinuing several US routes to adapt to market demands and improve efficiency with Boeing 787 aircraft.
— By VisaVerge.com