Under the headline, Bonjour, Ciao, and Hej, Norwegian low-cost passenger airline Flyr has announced three new routes from Oslo to Copenhagen, Paris, and Rome. In a statement released on September 17, 2021, the all-Boeing 737-800 airline said that while adding the new destinations in Denmark, France, and Italy, it would simultaneously expand its flights from Norway to Spain.When Flyr first took to the skies this summer, it did so by intending to take on SAS, Norwegian, Widerøe head-on by offering low-cost domestic fares. Created by some of Norway's most prominent aviation executives, Flyr believes it can be successful despite the problems to air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flyr Norwegian and international destinations

Based at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL) Flyr offered convenient flights to the following domestic destinations:

  • Bergen Airport, Flesland (BGO)
  • Bodø Airport (BOO)
  • Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes (EVE)
  • Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TRS)
  • Trondheim Airport, Værnes (TRD)

When launching its domestic route network, Flyr took a swipe at Hungarian ultra-low-cost carrier Wizz Air. The Budapest-headquartered airline saw Norway and its well-off citizens as being ripe for the picking. However, they did not count on the public backlash they received after trying to staff the airline with non-unionized low-paid employees. Well aware of this from the outset, Flyr said they would only hire a Norwegian-based crew and put them on Norwegian contracts.

Internationally, Flyr wanted to appeal to Norwegians looking for a sunny Mediterranean holiday by offering flights from Oslo to the following destinations:

  • Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
  • Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)
  • Málaga Airport (AGP)

It is not surprising that Flyr chose Alicante and Spain's Costa Blanca as a destination as the area is hugely popular with Norwegian retirees. Located a 45-minute drive up the Autopista del Mediterráneo is the seaside town of L'Alfàs del Pi, with the largest number of Norwegian speakers outside of Norway. The Spanish town is so popular with Norwegians that the Norwegian government pays for two schools and two elderly care centers.

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Copenhagen, Paris, and Rome

Looking at the three new destinations, it is easy to see why Paris and Rome appeal to Norwegian tourists. In contrast, Copenhagen may have more to do with international long-haul connections out of Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH).

Flyr cabin crew
The new routes start in October. Photo: Flyr

Starting from October 14, 2021, Flyr will fly from Oslo to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on a Thursday and Sunday.

  • On Thursday, Flyr flight number FS1356 will depart OSL at 17:20 and arrive at CDG at 19:45
  • On Thursday, Flyr flight number FS1357 will depart CDG at 20:35 and arrive at OSL at 23:00
  • On Sunday, Flyr flight number FS1356 will depart OSL at 16:30 and arrive at CDG at 18:55
  • On Sunday, Flyr flight number FS1357 will depart CDG at 19:45 and arrive at OSL at 22:10

Starting from October 15, 2021, Flyr will fly to Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) on a Friday and Monday.

  • On Friday, Flyr flight number FS1402 will depart OSL at 08:50 and arrive at FCO at 12:10
  • On Friday, Flyr flight number FS1403 will depart FCO at 13:10 and arrive at OSL at 16:30
  • On Monday, Flyr flight number FS1404 will depart OSL at 14:00 and arrive at FCO at 17:20
  • On Monday, Flyr flight number 1405 will depart FCO at 18:20 and arrive at OSL at 21:40

Starting Friday, October 18, 2021, Flyr will fly from Oslo to Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH), on a Friday and Monday.

  • On Friday, Flyr flight number FS1018 will depart OSL at 17:20 and arrive at CPH at 18:35
  • On Friday, Flyr flight number FS1019 will depart CPH at 19:15 and arrive at OSL at 20:30
  • On Monday, Flyr flight number FS1004 will depart OSL at 10:00 and arrive at CPH at 11:15
  • On Monday, Flyr flight number FS1005 will depart CPH at 11:55 and arrive at OSL at 13:10
Flyr is offering two flights per week from OSL to CPH, CDG, and FCO. Image GCmaps

When speaking about the new routes and the added frequencies to Alicante and Malaga Commercial Director of Flyr Thomas Ramdahl said:

"We listened to our customers, and many wanted Flyr routes to Copenhagen, Paris, and Rome. In addition, we now also have the pleasure of expanding our route offerings for Norwegians who want to travel to Malaga and Alicante."

Do you think that Flyr's new routes will be popular? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments.