Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world’s cheapest holiday destinations
A BUDGET airline is increasing flights to an affordable holiday destination – less than a year after they first launched.
Norse Atlantic Airways started the new route from London Gatwick to Cape Town in October 2024.
And the huge demand for the South African route has since seen them extend the flight season as well as add more flights.
Previously offering three flights a week, this was increased to four earlier this year.
And the airline has now increased it even further, with six flights a week being launched.
And the seasonal route previously only operated until the end of April.
However the new season will operate from October 2, 2025 until May 2026.
Bård Nordhagen, Norse Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Following the success of our inaugural season we see great opportunity in the South African market.
“By expanding services, we wish to show to the trade and consumer markets we are committed to this route.”
Andrew Fish, Head of UK & South African Sales at Norse Atlantic Airways added: “We are seeing exceptional momentum on this route, and this frequency increase reflects both customer confidence and Norse Atlantic Airlines’ long-term growth strategy.”
Cape Town was named the best value long-haul holiday destination in Post Office Travel Money’s Long Haul Holiday Report last year.
Not only is it affordable, but don’t expect any jet lag either with no time difference.
And it is a great winter sun hotspot, with highs of 27C in November and January.
The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently visited Cape Town with her family.
She said: “Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am.
“Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and smart restaurants lining the beachfront.
What is it like flying on Norse?
The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently tried the airline’s Premium Economy out.
Norse doesn’t do online check-in – everyone checks in at the airport. And Premium passengers are given their own lane, so we waited about five minutes before dropping off our bags and getting our tickets.
Most importantly, the chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night’s sleep.
My son pretty much slept uninterrupted from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours, which is far more than I’ve ever done before in Economy on a long haul flight.
Crew hand over ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones for the TVs (you have to pay £5 for these in Economy).
Two meals are also included – I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad.
To give you an idea of price, return fares for two adults and one child in premium economy cost £3,583 to Cape Town next March, while return fares in Premium Economy on a rival airline cost £5,000.
“Better still, the one-hour time difference meant we had no jet lag, so we could get stuck in straight away without the need to sleep it off.
“The famous mountain was the first adventure spot on our list.
“And it made for a great family day out thanks to the rotating gondolas that slowly spin to offer panoramic views on the ascent to the top. “
Norse currently offers six long-haul destinations, including Miami, New York, Bangkok and Cape Town.
Here are some of the other new flights that have launched this year.