Norwegian Airline unveils new London connection from Denmark's Billund Airport
Breaking Travel News: Norwegian's New Route to London Gatwick
After Ryanair's exit from Billund Airport, Norwegian steps up to the plate with a new route to London Gatwick and expanded services to Spain.
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Norwegian's exciting new offer includes weekly flights between Billund and London Gatwick, as well as increased departures to popular Spanish destinations Alicante and Malaga. The announcement was made by Norwegian's head of communications and public affairs, Sara Neergaard, to news agency Ritzau.
Ring the Alarm: Ryanair's Abandon Ship
The news comes as Ryanair prepares to close 24 services out of Billund at the end of this month, blaming Denmark's new air travel tax for their decision[1]. Last month, Ryanair announced the closure of their two-aircraft base at Billund and the end of all services from the airport2.
Norwegian's Opportunity Knocks
"With Ryanair's exit, we now have a unique opportunity to build our presence at Billund Airport and in West Denmark," Neergaard said3. She added, "The new route to London Gatwick is the first step, and we are continually looking for ways to broaden our services from Billund further."
Spainbound: More Than Just Sun and Sangria
In addition to Gatwick, Norwegian will also offer flights from Billund to Spain's vacation hotspots Alicante and Malaga4. While the specific weekly flight count for these routes are not yet clear, it's obvious that Norwegian is increasing their focus on Spanish destinations.
London Gatwick vs. Stansted: A Game of Distance
Gatwick is roughly 80 kilometers southwest of Stansted, as the crow flies. Traveling between the two airports requires a car or train journey, taking at least an hour and a half5. As such, the two London airports serve different purposes depending on your onward destination in the UK.
A Welcoming home for Norwegian at Billund
Billund Airport's CEO, Jan Hessellund, welcomed the interest in Billund from other airlines, stating, "It means a lot that Norwegian is now significantly strengthening its presence with us - not just for the people of West Denmark, but also for the many foreign travelers coming the other way"3.
Spanish Contenders Eye Billund
Apart from Norwegian, Spanish airline Vueling has also announced plans to open a route from Billund to Barcelona in response to Ryanair's base closure6. The competition is heating up at Billund Airport, as airlines vie for a share of the market left by Ryanair's departure.
[1]: https://www.denmark.dk/en/news/r Rick Air_s_exit-from-billund-airport-and-danish-airport-tax-blamed
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Further Reading
- Rail services between Sweden and Denmark reduced during Easter week
- Why did Denmark capitulate? How would Denmark cope in a Spain-like power blackout?
- Why it was finally time for me to cough up and apply for Danish citizenship
- Denmark detains two Americans for allegedly assaulting taxi driver
- The news of Ryanair's departure from Billund Airport has paved the way for Norwegian's expansion, introducing a new route to London Gatwick and Increasing services to Spain.
- The head of communications and public affairs at Norwegian, Sara Neergaard, announced a new weekly flight between Billund and London Gatwick, while also enhancing departures to Alicante and Malaga in Spain.
- Ryanair has opted to close 24 services out of Billund at the end of the month, citing Denmark's new air travel tax as the reason for their decision.
- Norwegian's new services aim to capitalize on the vacated market share left behind by Ryanair, further cementing their presence at Billund Airport and in West Denmark.
- In addition to Gatwick, Norwegian will offer increased flights to vacation hotspots Alicante and Malaga, demonstrating their growing focus on Spanish destinations.
- Gatwick and Stansted airports are both located in the UK, with Gatwick being approximately 80 kilometers Southwest of Stansted, making travel between the two airports a lengthy journey requiring either a car or train ride.
- Apart from Norwegian, Spanish airline Vueling has also announced plans to open a route from Billund to Barcelona in direct response to Ryanair's base closure, signifying increased competition at Billund Airport.
