Norwegian Air Could Add to Crowded Skies Between Canada and Europe

More choices for discounted flights to Europe may be on the way for Canadian consumers. But Canada's airlines may want to brace for stormy weather.

Two major media outlets are reporting that Norwegian Air, which has been aggressively selling cheap tickets to Europe from U.S. destinations, has its sights set on the Canadian market and could start flying out of Toronto or other cities in Canada within four months. It would mean still more choice for Canadian flyers, but potentially more competition for Canada’s airlines.

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Both the Globe and Mail and The Independent newspaper in Ireland were reporting Monday that Norwegian is planning to start flights from Canada to Europe on July 23. Both news outlet websites said the Canadian Transportation Agency issued a statement last week saying there’s a “high probability” Norwegian will get a license in time to start flying in late July.

Toronto-based aviation expert Robert Kokonis told the Globe and Mail that Toronto is a “no-brainer” for Norwegian, and that Vancouver and Montreal also are possible landing and departure cities. He mentioned Berlin, Paris and Stockholm as potential airports Norwegian could fly to in Europe.

A Norwegian spokesman told The Independent that they’re evaluating routes to Canada, which he called “an interesting market.” The Independent also said that Norwegian Air CEO Bjorn Kjos has previously stated that the airline’s new Boeing 737 MAX planes could fly between Toronto and Dublin.

Canada already is served on flights to Europe by discount carriers Icelandair and WOW Air. Discount airline Primera Air is set to start flying between Toronto and London Stansted in June, while the schedule for Level Airlines (from International Airlines Group) shows flights between Montreal and Paris beginning July 2, the Globe reported.

The added choices are almost certainly good news for consumers who want to buy cheap tickets on no-frills airlines. But discounted fares may not help travel agents much, as most ultra-low-cost airlines don’t pay commission. And the new flights aren’t good for Canada’s airlines, who will seemingly face increased competition from carriers who can offer super-low fares.

WestJet already flies to the UK and recently announced it will start flying to Paris. Air Canada has been expanding flights all over the world, while Air Transat is trying to boost its European offerings as well.

“I don’t think there’s going to be enough demand for all three of our national carriers – including Transat – plus Icelandair, plus WOW Air, plus Primera Air, plus Norwegian,” Kokonis told the Globe and Mail. “Something’s going to have to give.”