Norwegian is launching new nonstop flights from four U.S. cities to Barcelona (BCN), beginning in June 2017. The airline’s expansion follows its recent U.S.–Paris (CDG) service introduced in July, and complements plans for an Oakland–Copenhagen (CPH) route currently under consideration.
Service from Los Angeles (LAX) begins first on June 5, followed by Newark (EWR) on June 6, Oakland (OAK) on June 7, and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on August 22. Los Angeles and Oakland will operate twice weekly through late August, with an additional weekly frequency added after that. Newark will start with two weekly flights during the summer and increase to four weekly frequencies in the fall. Fort Lauderdale will operate twice weekly year-round.
These routes increase Norwegian’s footprint between the U.S. and Europe. Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s chief commercial officer, noted that continued expansion in the United States is central to the airline’s global strategy. By adding more nonstop options, Norwegian aims to give travelers affordable fares and award-winning onboard service while offering more nonstop connections from the U.S. to Europe than any other European carrier. The airline plans to further expand routes and frequencies to provide American travelers with broader choices.
Elisa Sainz, consul for tourism affairs at the Tourist Office of Spain, welcomed the new service and highlighted its significance for connectivity with Spain. She emphasized the importance of the new West Coast links—marking the first time San Francisco’s region will have a direct connection to an airport in Spain—and the potential to support continued growth in U.S. outbound tourism to Spain. Sainz pointed to Spain’s appeal to American travelers, including its history, culture, cuisine, and people, and expressed confidence that American visitor numbers will continue to rise.
Overall, the new Barcelona routes are positioned to enhance transatlantic travel choices, strengthen links between the U.S. and Spain, and support tourism growth in both directions while offering travelers more nonstop flight options and competitive fares.