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Norwegian Air Is Dealt a Setback on U.S. Flights by the DOT

Brian Sumers

Photo Credit: Norwegian Air CEO Bjorn Kjos in front of one of the company's planes. The U.S. Department of Transportation declined to approve Norwegian Air UK's operating permit.  Norwegian Air

Skift Take

The Norwegian Air saga has taken another unusual turn. But fear not, travelers. The airline will keep flying between the U.S. and Europe, and the airline will continue offering low fares.

The U.S. government this week declined to approve Norwegian Air's plan that would have allowed the carrier's United Kingdom subsidiary to fly to the United States, a move that could give the carrier more flexibility with its international route network. The issue is politically sensitive, as the three major U.S. airlines and their pilot unions oppose Norwegian's proposal. They generally argue Norwegian is a Norway-based company, and that its UK arm should not be permitted to fly to U.S. airports. They accuse the company of trying to forum shop among European countries so it can obtain the best possible economic advantage. Norwegian has countered that it is following all applicable laws in the UK and the U.S.

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