Growing ABIA announces new non-stop flight to London

Low-cost airline Norwegian is coming to ABIA next March.

"I think it's important to remember that the 'I' in ABIA stands for 'International' and this is another feather in our cap as a city but also as a moment to remind the state that Austin really does have a unique position as an economic engine for the entire State of Texas," said Council Member Jimmy Flannigan.

Norwegian's U.S. Director of Communications Anders Lindstrom says Austin is an overpriced market.  He says their new non-stop service from Austin to London Gatwick Airport makes transatlantic flying more affordable for Texans.

"Looked at some of our competitors fares to Europe and it's ridiculously high so we can come in pretty much what you pay one-way to Europe right now you'll get a return trip and even more," Lindstrom said.

The 8-hour flight will operate Monday, Wednesday and Saturday starting March 27th 2018.  And tickets are already available for booking.  But why Austin?

"There's a great demand from Europe to Austin as a tourist destination and also for businessmen.  It's the fastest growing city in America," he said.

And because of that sentiment, ABIA is getting bigger.

"We're reflective of the city and the growth and the popularity of such a wonderful place and so the airport we're doing to meet that need," said Derick Hackett with the city's Aviation Department. 

Hackett says the new Norwegian service is keeping in line with the airport's construction and growth and it's another reason why they need the 9-gate expansion that's under construction right now.

"The new 9-gate expansion will allow us to accommodate for bigger airlines, bigger planes and maybe be able to offer new non-stop destinations to other parts of the world directly from Austin, Texas," Hackett said.

Hackett says the expansion has a 2019 completion date.  The Barbara Jordan Terminal will go from 24 gates to 33.  And then there's the 3 gates at the recently opened South Terminal too.

Hackett says this brings the total non-stop international flights from Austin to 9. To see those, click here.