Norse Atlantic Airways Scraps London Gatwick to Los Angeles Flights for Summer 2026

The budget long-haul carrier has cancelled its direct flights between London Gatwick and Los Angeles for the summer 2026 season, leaving British holidaymakers without an affordable direct route to California.

Norse Atlantic Airways has officially cancelled its direct service between London Gatwick Airport and Los Angeles for the summer of 2026. The suspension covers the peak summer travel period, which is precisely when demand for transatlantic routes is at its highest. For British travellers who had been looking forward to an affordable, direct flight to California this year, the news is deeply disappointing.

The airline had been operating the Gatwick to Los Angeles route since 2023, positioning itself as one of the few carriers offering budget-friendly, direct access to the West Coast of the United States from London. That option is now off the table for the foreseeable future.

Norse Atlantic has cited the soaring cost of jet fuel as the primary reason behind the decision. On an ultra-long-haul route such as London to Los Angeles, with flight times ranging between 11 hours and nearly 13 hours, fuel represents a substantial portion of operating costs. For a budget carrier whose entire proposition rests on keeping fares low, absorbing those costs without passing them on to passengers is an increasingly difficult balancing act.

However, the picture is more complex than fuel prices alone. Despite the route recording a seat occupancy rate of around 89%, industry analysts suggest that fares were not high enough to generate sufficient revenue on such a lengthy route. The route's viability was further challenged by shifting traveller sentiment around visiting the United States and broader commercial pressures within the long-haul budget aviation sector.

The cancellation of the Norse Atlantic route does not mean your Los Angeles holiday plans have to be abandoned. Several other airlines continue to operate flights from London to LAX, offering a range of schedules and fare options to suit different budgets and travel preferences. While alternative carriers may come at a different price point, there are still ways to make your California trip work.

At Crystal Travel, our experienced team is here to help you navigate your options. Whether you are looking for the best available flights or simply some honest advice on how to rebook and reroute, we are ready to help you find a solution that works for you.

A cancelled route does not have to mean a cancelled holiday. Get in touch with us today and let our experienced travel experts take care of the rest.​​​​​​​