DOT Approves Norwegian Air US Flights

The US Department of Transportation has approved Norwegian Air's application for a foreign carrier permit, allowing it to launch flights from the US to EU countries.

Norway is not a member of the European Union, but the airline’s Irish subsidiary which made the application will now be able to access the EU’s aviation rights to fly between the US and EU.

“We welcome the long overdue news that Norwegian Air International has finally been awarded a foreign carrier permit by the US Department of Transportation,” the airline said in a statement. The decision “paves the way for greater competition, more flights and more jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The low cost carrier plans to launch flights from Cork in Ireland to US cities as part of its expansion plans.

Norwegian said it was now looking forward to its foreign carrier permit for Norwegian Air UK to be approved.