Scandinavians hoping to catch a cheap flight home this fall might have a harder time finding one.
Norwegian low-cost airline Norse Atlantic Airways is slashing half of its U.S.–Europe routes starting this month, as the airline resthinks its routes after a turbulent few years in the transatlantic market.
The route cuts, first reported by Business Insider in August earlier this year, mark the airline’s most significant pullback since its 2022 debut. Despite healthy passenger loads, Norse has struggled with profitability, squeezed by high fuel prices, seasonal demand drops, and intense competition from legacy carriers such as SAS, Delta, and United.
In practice, this means that several of the airline’s most popular American connections will disappear just as the fall travel season begins.
New York (JFK) → Berlin (BER)
New York (JFK) → Oslo (OSL)
New York (JFK) → Paris (CDG)
Los Angeles (LAX) → Athens (ATH)
Los Angeles (LAX) → Paris (CDG)
Miami (MIA) → London Gatwick (LGW)
| Route | Frequency |
|---|---|
| New York (JFK) → Rome (FCO) | 5x weekly |
| New York (JFK) → London Gatwick (LGW) | Daily |
| Los Angeles (LAX) → Rome (FCO) | 3x weekly |
| Miami (MIA) → London Gatwick (LGW) | 3x weekly |
For travelers flying between the U.S. and Scandinavia, the October 2025 route cuts mean fewer direct connections, longer layovers, and potentially higher ticket prices.
If you regularly fly Los Angeles–Paris or Miami–London, you’ll now need to transfer via New York, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam, depending on the carrier.
Norse’s decision also puts pressure on SAS, Finnair, and Icelandair, which are expected to absorb some of the demand from Scandinavian expats and business travelers.
Travel experts recommend booking early for the holiday season — reduced capacity often leads to higher fares and limited seat availability.
| Airline | Route Option | Why It’s Worth Considering |
|---|---|---|
| Norse Atlantic Airways | New York / Los Angeles → Rome / London → Scandinavia (via Norwegian) | The most affordable Nordic airline offers a high-quality experience, but be prepared for long layovers if traveling through Rome. |
| SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) | New York / Chicago / Los Angeles / Seattle / Boston → Copenhagen | Easy layovers in Kastrup – Scandinavia’s largest airport. EuroBonus perks. |
| Icelandair | Multiple U.S. cities → Reykjavik | Competitive fares, short layovers. |
| Finnair | New York / Dallas / Chicago → Helsinki | Excellent service with a Nordic flair, but often on the pricier end. |
| British Airways | U.S. hubs → London Heathrow → Scandinavia | Frequent departures. Cost-efficient. |
| Delta / KLM / Air France | Major U.S. cities → Amsterdam / Paris → Scandinavia | Consistent schedules, easy connections year-round, and code shares with SAS. |
Tip: If you want a direct, budget-friendly route, Norse Atlantic’s New York– London line remains the go-to for Scandinavian expats. For comfort and better connection options, SAS or Finnair are your best bets.
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