Norse Atlantic Airways is discontinuing a route it launched with much fanfare last December. The Norway-based airline confirmed to TPG that it will no longer operate its seasonal route from Miami to Paris. This route was initially well-received and operated four times a week during the winter, serving Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Miami International Airport (MIA). The seasonal service ended in April and was slated to resume in December; however, the airline has removed the route from its future schedule with no plans to resume it.
“Low-cost carriers are merciless in their route assessments, and they will drop a route if it fails to meet their expected level of profitability,” Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research, said. “If Paris, Miami is not working out for Norse, there’s no sense for the airline to continue to operate it. Instead, they will redeploy that 787 to a route they believe will perform better.”
Norse Atlantic Airways Background
Norse Atlantic Airways began flying passengers in 2022, offering low-cost, long-haul flights across the Atlantic using a fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (many leased from the now-defunct Norwegian).
Current Operations
- New Routes: In May, Norse added a new route from the West Coast, with four weekly flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to CDG. However, this route only runs during the summer.
- Existing Routes: The airline also flies from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris.
Impact on Travelers
Despite these new routes, Norse’s decision to cut the Miami to Paris route leaves travelers without a budget-friendly option. Previously, travelers could find incredible deals on the route, with flights as low as $99 each way. Air France and American Airlines will continue to serve the Paris market from Miami, but the loss of Norse means fewer affordable choices for travelers.
Industry Insights
“We’ve seen in the U.S. with route changes made by Spirit, Avelo, Frontier, and others,” Harteveldt said. “Low-cost airlines don’t have the margins to be indulgent when it comes to the routes they operate. The downside of the constant changes is that it’s confusing to the consumer and disappointing to customers.”
Key Points
- Route Discontinuation: Norse Atlantic Airways cancels its Miami to Paris route.
- Seasonal Service: Initially operated four times weekly in winter, ending in April.
- Fleet: Operates Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- New Routes: Added LAX to CDG; continues JFK to Paris.
- Market Impact: Air France and American Airlines remain on the route; budget options lost.
- Expert Insight: Low-cost carriers adjust routes based on profitability.
Final Thoughts
Norse Atlantic Airways’ decision to cancel the Miami to Paris route reflects the challenging economics faced by low-cost carriers. While this move may disappoint budget-conscious travelers, it underscores the airline’s strategy to optimize its routes for profitability.
