Low-cost long-haul flights connecting Europe and beyond.
Founded
1993
Headquarters
Fornebu, Norway
Norwegian Air Shuttle is a Norwegian low-cost carrier founded in 1993 and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. It operates under the IATA code DY and is one of Europe's largest budget airlines, known for pioneering affordable transatlantic routes.
The airline expanded aggressively during the 2010s, launching long-haul flights to North America, the Caribbean, and Asia using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, financial difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic forced a major restructuring in 2020–2021, leading Norwegian to exit long-haul operations and refocus on short-haul European routes.
Post-restructuring, Norwegian operates a leaner, point-to-point network primarily within Europe and Scandinavia, competing directly with Ryanair and easyJet while maintaining its reputation for competitive fares and in-flight Wi-Fi offerings.
Hubs & network
Norwegian's primary hubs are Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Bergen Airport, and Copenhagen Airport.
Fleet
Norwegian operates a fleet composed primarily of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft following its post-2021 restructuring.
Notable facts
- ›Norwegian was one of the first low-cost carriers to offer scheduled transatlantic flights at budget fares.
- ›The airline underwent a major restructuring in 2020–2021, exiting long-haul markets and cancelling its Boeing 787 operations.
- ›Norwegian has named its aircraft tails after historical figures such as Sonja Henie and Roald Amundsen.
- ›It was among the first airlines to offer free Wi-Fi on short-haul flights.
- ›At its peak, Norwegian was the third-largest low-cost carrier in Europe by passenger numbers.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
