Norwegian Air International has received tentative approval to begin flying to the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced last month that it will allow the carrier to operate transatlantic service, subject to final authorization. The inaugural direct route proposed is between Boston (BOS) and Cork, Ireland (ORK).
Known for offering lower-cost transatlantic fares, Norwegian’s provisional approval could increase competition and help lower prices for travelers between the U.S. and Europe. Before the decision becomes final, the DOT will open a public comment period and consider feedback from stakeholders and members of the public.
Norwegian’s CEO, Bjørn Kjos, described the tentative approval as a “win-win for consumers and the economy on both sides of the Atlantic.” In his statement he also said the carrier’s entry into the market would create thousands of jobs in the United States.
The approval follows more than two years of regulatory review and legal debate. American unions opposed Norwegian’s application, arguing that the Department of Transportation lacked adequate legal grounds to approve the airline’s request. Those objections helped prolong the review, but with the DOT’s tentative green light the process has moved to the next step.
As the application proceeds through the public comment period, officials will weigh economic, labor and safety considerations before issuing a final ruling. If finalized, the Boston–Cork route would mark a notable expansion of low-cost transatlantic service and could influence how other carriers price and schedule flights between the United States and Europe.