The British airline has announced a set of new winter routes sure to please budget-conscious travellers. Read all about the new Oslo and Tromsø flights below.
When I first moved to Norway (yes, back when the world had a sepia tinge to it), I used Ryanair to travel between Oslo and the U.K. several times. I never liked the budget airline, but it was a cheap, convenient option.
Ryanair's base was Moss/Rygge Airport, but since that airport's closure, budget airlines have been less visible in Norway. That being said, Ryanair still use Oslo Airport, and WizzAir have made inroads into the market in recent years too.
With the failure of Flyr after just 19 months of operation, it's mostly been left to Norwegian Air to offer cheap flights to/from Norway and the rest of Europe.
But now, one of the best-known budget airlines in Europe is making a big push into Norway for the upcoming season. Will they succeed and the routes become year-round? Only time will tell.
Introducing EasyJet
Established in 1995, EasyJet is a prominent low-cost airline. It serves over 150 destinations, primarily within Europe. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft and focuses on providing affordable travel options.
Known for its straightforward, no-frills service and bright orange livery, EasyJet has played a significant role in making air travel more accessible.
As with many budget airlines, EasyJet offers headline-grabbing low fares. However, the total cost of flying isn't always as low as it might first seem. There are additional charges for check-in baggage, seat selection, and many other things.
EasyJet's Winter Program
From November, easyJet's new winter program for 2024/25 includes new routes to both Oslo and Tromsø airports. “We are very pleased to welcome easyJet to Norway,” said Avinor EVP Joachim Lupnaav Johnsen.
“Their establishment in Tromsø and Oslo will provide both Norwegian and international travellers with more options and strengthen the connection between Norway and important European destinations,” he added.
Winter Fun in Tromsø
Tromsø has recently enjoyed an increase in winter tourism. The Barents Observer reported a 126% increase in passengers arriving on international flights in January 2024 compared with the same month in 2023.
The chance to see the northern lights, enjoy husky-sled rides, and experience the polar night are all popular reasons to visit Tromsø in the winter.
From November, easyJet will serve Tromsø directly from three British airports: Bristol, London Gatwick, and Manchester. The twice-weekly flights will launch in mid-November from London Gatwick and Manchester, and in early December from Bristol.
Direct flights to Tromsø from Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan, and Paris have also been announced.
Football Fun in England
Two new destinations announced from Oslo seem designed to appeal to Norwegian football fans. Flights to Manchester (starting November 15) and Liverpool (starting November 29) will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.
The timetable also makes the routes an ideal choice for travellers based in Northern England keen for a long weekend in the Norwegian capital city.
These two new Oslo routes come in addition to previously announced routes to Paris (CDG) and Milan Malpensa, both set to resume at the end of October. The Paris route will run three times weekly, with four weekly departures to/from Milan.
