Los Angeles direct from Ireland forecast record numbers

Norse launches new route from Gatwick to Los Angeles, and Delta returns flights from Heathrow to LAX for first time in eight years.

Leisure and business travellers looking to fly between London and Los Angeles this summer are set to have more opportunities than ever before as weekly flights and seat capacity are both set to eclipse pre-pandemic records thanks to new services from Delta and Norse and increased flights from Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United Airlines and Aer Lingus.

On 30 June, Norse will launch their first-ever London to Los Angeles service, the first LGW-LAX flight since pre-pandemic, offering seven flights per week with 2,366 seats.

Delta restarted their LHR-LAX route on 26 March after an eight-year break, showing their confidence in the current market. They now operate a daily nonstop service, offering Delta’s full range of cabin offerings with 1,967 weekly seats available.

Existing carriers are set to increase their number of weekly LA flights between now and July, with forecasts showing that American Airlines will add nine new weekly flights, Virgin Atlantic adding seven, United Airlines doubling their weekly offering from seven to fourteen, and Aer Lingus adding two additional weekly flights.

This will take the total number of direct, non-stop weekly flights from the UK and Ireland to Los Angeles in July to 98 with 28,119 seats, compared to 83 flights and 23,963 seats in 2019.

The large number of flights gives customers a wide range of choice from airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, United Airlines, Aer Lingus and now Delta and Norse, giving a choice of departure times and cabin options ranging from Economy to First.

Francine Sheridan (Vice President Europe & Middle East), at Los Angeles Tourism, said: “We are delighted that UK and Ireland travellers have more opportunities to travel to Los Angeles than ever before, thanks to new service from Delta and Norse as well as increased services from existing carriers. Los Angeles is a year-round destination with the enduring appeal of world-famous attractions, from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the Venice Beach laid-back lifestyle. From fantastic fares in economy to luxurious premium cabins, there is a seat for everyone to come to LA as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hollywood Sign in 2023”.

Nicolas Ferri (Delta Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa & India) said: “This Heathrow to LA route serves an important dual-purpose for business and leisure travel, and we look forward to providing our customers with the premium travel experience and service that Delta is known for”.

Bård Nordhagen (Commercial Director Norse Atlantic Airways) said: “We are very pleased to now be able to offer better value and choice to customers looking to travel to Los Angeles from London. Our new direct services between London Gatwick and LAX, operated by our modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, will allow more people to visit this fantastic destination”.