Norse Atlantic Airways has announced an ambitious expansion to its transatlantic route network, introducing a nonstop service between Athens International Airport (ATH) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This new route, which launches on 3 June 2025, marks a significant milestone, as it will be Athens’ first-ever direct link to the US West Coast. Until now, no airline has operated a nonstop service between the Greek capital and any city on the western seaboard of the United States.
Bridging Continents with Affordable Long-Haul Travel
The four-times-weekly service will be operated using Norse Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, designed to offer a balance between comfort and affordability. The airline, known for its low-cost long-haul model, is pricing fares from just $269 (€259), making the Athens-Los Angeles route an attractive option for cost-conscious travellers seeking direct transatlantic flights.
This will also be the longest route in Norse Atlantic’s network, covering a distance of 6,928 miles (11,149 km) with a flight time of approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes. The airline’s CEO and founder, Bjørn Tore Larsen, emphasised the importance of this route, stating:
“We expect the uptake to be positive as we offer this budget-friendly route, opening up more transatlantic options for our customers and the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Athens and rich history of Los Angeles. Our goal is to make travel accessible and affordable for everyone, and this is another step in that mission.”
While the economy and premium economy cabins provide competitive pricing, meals will not be included in the base fares, reflecting Norse Atlantic’s cost-efficient business model.
A Growing Transatlantic Presence
Norse Atlantic Airways has been rapidly expanding its transatlantic footprint, adding multiple routes in recent months.
- In May 2024, the airline introduced direct Athens to New York JFK flights, which operated until October 26, 2024.
- In November 2024, Norse announced its first-ever service from Stockholm (ARN) to Bangkok (BKK), launching in October 2025.
- The carrier has also expanded services from Rome (FCO) to Los Angeles, set to begin on 22 May 2025, directly competing with ITA Airways.
- Other Norse-operated flights to LAX include routes from London Gatwick (LGW), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Oslo (OSL), reinforcing the airline’s commitment to transatlantic connectivity.
With its focus on affordable long-haul travel, Norse is positioning itself as a key player in the low-cost transatlantic market, a space previously dominated by airlines such as Norwegian Air before the latter ceased its long-haul operations.
A Competitive Move Amid Evolving Market Trends
The decision to introduce an Athens-Los Angeles route aligns with the broader industry trend of expanding direct services between Europe and the US, catering to increasing passenger demand for seamless, long-haul connectivity. While traditional full-service carriers have long dominated transatlantic routes, the rise of low-cost long-haul airlines such as Norse Atlantic is reshaping the landscape, making international travel more accessible to a wider audience.
By adding Athens to its US network, Norse is not only tapping into the high summer demand between Europe and North America but also establishing a first-mover advantage in a market with no direct competition. With Athens becoming an increasingly popular hub for both tourism and business, this route could pave the way for further connectivity between Southern Europe and North America.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Expansion for Norse Atlantic
Norse Atlantic Airways’ new Athens-Los Angeles service is a bold step in its mission to provide budget-friendly transatlantic travel. By offering the first-ever direct link between the Greek capital and the US West Coast, the airline is filling a long-standing gap in the market while reinforcing its position as a major player in low-cost long-haul aviation.
As Norse continues to expand its transatlantic and intercontinental routes, its growing presence will undoubtedly shape the future of affordable long-haul travel. Whether this route sees sustained success beyond the peak summer season will depend on passenger uptake and demand trends, but for now, it marks a significant achievement in the airline’s rapid international expansion.
