BUDGET airline Norse Atlantic Airways has revealed brand new long-haul flights from London Gatwick this year.
The low-cost airline launched back in 2021 following the the end of Norwegian’s long-haul flights.
The Sun’s travel expert Lisa Minot will be taking part in a Live Q&A with readers at midday on Tuesday (April 23) to answer your holiday dilemmas – ask her anything.
Whatever the travel question – big or small – make sure to send over all your questions to Lisa in the form here, and she’ll answer them in the live Q&A.
And the new routes will connect the London airport to Cape Town in South Africa.
Launching from October 28, return fares will start from as little as £499 per person.
If you fancy upgrading your flight, then seats in premium economy start from £1,199.
The outbound flights will depart from London Gatwick at 8pm before landing in Cape Town at 9.30am the following morning.
Return flights will then leave Cape Town at 11.44am, arriving at the London Airport at 9.35pm the same day.
Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Those passengers who book to fly with the cheapest fare will have to pay extra for baggage, as only one personal item is permitted on board with that ticket type.
Economy classic tickets include a carry-on bag, a checked suitcase and one meal service.
Book premium economy and you can take a personal item, a carry-on bag onboard, as well as benefiting from checked-in luggage, two meals, priority boarding and premium boarding.
The airline’s luggage restrictions are 56cm x 45cm x 25cm for cabin baggage, which can be no more than 10kg, and 23kg for checked luggage.
Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen said: “By breaking the duopoly on this route, we are not only expanding travel options for consumers but also driving down costs and putting the customer back in the pilot’s seat.
“At Norse Atlantic Airways, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the wonders of the world and our new route to Cape Town will allow many more people to visit this amazing destination.”
British Airways already operates a year-round service to Cape Town from London Heathrow, while Virgin Atlantic runs a service in the winter.
Cape Town in South Africa is an ideal winter sun holiday destination for most Brits because it’s free from jet lag.
Last year, the port city was named as the best value holiday destination in the Post Office’s annual report.
While it has since been toppled off the list by Vietnam, it’s safe to say Cape Town remains relatively affordable.
It has plenty to offer as a holiday destination as well, with wine, wildlife and everything in between available for visitors.
The city is home to plenty of stunning beaches – so many in fact that Time Out magazine was able to publish a list of the top 18 for tourists to visit.
Muizenberg beach came out on top thanks to its soft white sands and pristine blue sea.
Shark spotters are on hand at the beach to keep people safe while swimming in the water.
Sharks aren’t the only wildlife that can be spotted on Cape Town’s beaches either.
Boulders beach is home to a protected colony of South African penguins.
Visitors are able to walk among, and even swim or kayak with, the adorable residents. The only rule is no feeding or touching the birds.
Lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes and many other animals can be spotted roaming among South Africa’s nature and game reserves.
In December, Cape town reaches highs of 27C.
Other new routes
Earlier this year, Norse Atlantic Airways announced the launch of new transatlantic flights from London Gatwick.
The new route will connect the London Airport to Las Vegas.
Launching from September 12, one-way flights can be found for as little as £163, while return fares will start from just £399 in economy.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options
Other Norse flights from the UK include:
Read more on the Scottish Sun
- London Gatwick to Barbados
- London Gatwick to to Los Angeles
- London Gatwick to to Miami
- London Gatwick to Orlando
- London Gatwick to Washington.
And Sun reporter Amanda Devlin recently tried out Norse Atlantic Airways – here’s her review.
2