Norse Atlantic has announced capacity expansion from the UK to Thailand in order to meet growing seasonal travel demand. As part of this capacity increase, the airline announced a brand new seasonal route to launch this winter, as well as the return of another successful seasonal route.
A New Route
Norse Atlantic, the long-haul, low-cost carrier based in Norway, has announced it is expanding capacity to Thailand this winter. A new route from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Phuket International Airport (HKT) has been added on a seasonal basis. Throughout the winter, which is Thailand’s dry season, the route is set to run 3 times a week.
This new route is to be added to Norse Atlantic’s assortment of winter sun routes, which include LGW to Cape Town & LGW to Bangkok. It will emerge in direct competition with the new route to Phuket from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) that was announced by British-based airline Virgin Atlantic in late 2025, which will also launch this winter and run 3 times a week.
The Return of an Old Favourite
In addition to the new LGW to HKT route, Norse Atlantic has announced the return of the Manchester to Bangkok route, which has been a very popular seasonal route since its introduction in November 2025. During its initial stint, the route carried approximately 10,000 passengers. As a result of its popularity, the route will be returning with an increased flight frequency of 4 times a week, from Dec. 5, 2026 to April 18, 2027.
This is not the first new route Norse Atlantic has added to its repertoire, with new routes to Pakistan announced by the airline earlier this year. Norse Atlantic’s route development comes as part of a wider strategy by the airline to meet growing seasonal demand, improve efficiency, and sharpen commercial focus, according to the company’s Chief Executive, Eivind Roald.
Roald described the reasoning for the focus on Thailand capacity expansion, saying:
“Thailand continues to be one of the most popular destinations in our network. We are delighted to offer customers even more opportunities to visit both Bangkok and Phuket this winter, in line with our strategy of adding capacity where demand is strongest.”
Norse Atlantic hopes for these route developments to be met with approval from customers, expanding their travel options and satisfying seasonal demand.
Will you be travelling to Thailand via either of these routes? Let us know in the comments!
