Norwich Airport rated one of the top three airports in the UK

Norwich Airport has been rated one of the top three airports in the UK for customer experience and has received ‘Recommended Provider’ status by consumer champion Which?

The prestigious recognition comes as part of Which?’s annual airport survey of its members, seeking their feedback on a variety of airport experiences.
A customer score is calculated based on a combination of overall satisfaction and likeliness to recommend to others.
Norwich Airport had a customer score of 78%, ranking it third in the UK overall. Norwich’s sister airport Exeter Airport was ranked fourth with 77%, with London City taking second place (80%) and Liverpool (John Lennon) Airport ranked number one with a score of 81%.
In April this year, Which? surveyed almost 5,000 members about their experiences at UK airports in the previous 12 months. Respondents were invited to rate the airports across 11 categories, including seating, staff, toilets and queues at check in, bag drop, passport control and security.
On the whole, the consumer champion found smaller airports once again performed better than their larger rivals this year – with respondents reporting shorter queues, and a generally less stressful experience. 

Norwich Airport sees continued growth in passenger numbers

Norwich Airport has continued its recovery from the covid pandemic with passenger numbers increasing in the last financial year.

In the 12 months to the end of March 2024 the airport welcomed 353,000 passengers, up 2% on the previous year, cementing its role as a popular regional airport for leisure travel.

The airport, which employs 224 people, is also the gateway to the southern North Sea for the offshore energy industry and plays a key role in supporting the region’s wider aviation ecosystem with pilot training, military operations and the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft.

The figures contributed to a 15% increase in passenger numbers for parent company Regional & City Airports (RCA), which saw more than 1.75m passengers use its airports during the year.

As well as Norwich, the group owns Bournemouth and Exeter Airports and holds a management contract for Solent Airport.

The Norwich figures do not reflect the start of Ryanair’s first ever flights from the airport in April as this was outside of year-end. Ryanair has added 60,000 seats this summer with new routes to Malta, Alicante and Faro, putting the airport on track to surpass pre-covid passenger numbers of half a million.

Ryanair has already confirmed that it will continue the Alicante route through the winter.

Minister praises Norwich aviation industry as ‘hub of greatness’

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere has praised the aviation industry in Norwich for its commitment to skills development and sustainability, describing it as a ‘hub of greatness’ during a visit to the city.

Baroness Vere toured Norwich Airport, owned by Regional & City Airports which is part of Rigby Group, and the neighbouring International Aviation Academy Norwich in the company of Chloe Smith MP to learn more about how the airport is fast becoming a centre of excellence for sustainable aviation.

The Minister visited two workshops involving KLM UK Engineering trainees to see how the Aviation Academy is training the next generation of engineers. And she was introduced to a group of youngsters who have worked with Norfolk-based community interest company NUNCATS on building the first British electric aircraft project of its kind.

While at the academy the Minister also announced £750,000 of additional Government funding to encourage young people to consider a career in aviation. The funding is part of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund and is designed to break down barriers for those who have previously struggled to get a foothold in the aviation industry.

A tour of Norwich Airport followed, where the Minister was briefed on the recent introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Norwich, which typically produces up to 80% fewer lifecycle carbon emissions than the conventional jet fuel it replaces. Norwich Airport is one of the few regional airports in the UK to offer SAF to its customers, including SaxonAir which uses the fuel in its helicopters.

KLM adds extra flights from Norwich to Amsterdam

KLM is launching extra flights from Norwich Airport to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from Monday (27th March), putting over 270 worldwide destinations within even easier reach, and just in time for the Easter holidays.

The airline will be operating up to four return flights a day between Norwich and Amsterdam for the first time since the pandemic as demand for air travel continues to recover.

And with a flight time of just 55 minutes, it means Schiphol Airport’s global network of international onward connections or a city break in Amsterdam is less than an hour away.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It’s great to see KLM’s Amsterdam route from Norwich getting back to full strength with four flights a day on weekdays and up to three a day at weekends.

TUI adds more choice for 2024 from Norwich

The most popular destinations for holidaymakers flying from Norwich are; Tenerife, Majorca and Turkey

People from East Anglia are more likely to book a four-star, all-inclusive summer holiday for two adults, with 76 per cent booked without children

TUI flying offers nine routes from Norwich for summer 2024

TUI, the leading global travel and leisure company, has today added a further 1,500 hotels on sale across 22 destinations for UK guests for summer 2024 following strong bookings across seasons. Customers in East Anglia will be given more choice in popular destinations such as Ibiza, Menorca and Turkey from Norwich Airport.

With a total of 14 flights a week, TUI flying offers nine routes from the region, with the largest amount of flights to Palma Majorca, three times each week. 

New data revealed by TUI, shows that holidaymakers flying from Norwich are more likely to book a summer holiday to Tenerife, Majorca and Turkey on an all-inclusive basis, compared with those flying from Southampton, who are more likely to travel to Majorca, Jersey and Ibiza, on an all inclusive basis for their summer holiday. What’s more, a seven-night holiday has proven popular amongst people flying from Norwich, with the majority of customers booking four-star hotels, for two adults.

Andrew Flintham, Managing Director at TUI UK & Ireland commented: “We are proud of our unrivalled regional flying programme that operates from more UK airports than any other international airline, offering more flexibility and choice to our customers from 20 regional airports. Norwich has been a long-standing partner of ours and it’s great to see the evolution of this important partnership, which has sent more than 400K passengers on holiday in the past 10 years.

East Anglian Air Ambulance celebrates generous support from Norwich Airport

East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has recognised Norwich Airport for its long-standing support with a special plaque celebrating their partnership over the years.

The Airport has been named on the charity’s ‘thank you wall’ at EAAA’s state-of-the-art base at Helimed House, Hangar 14 as a token of appreciation for the services it provides.

Norwich Airport donates free landing fees and charges to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, accounting for more than £75,000 worth of savings to the life-saving charity every year.

With the East Anglian Air Ambulance operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the highly trained crews need to be able to take-off and land around the clock. Norwich Airport supports this by allowing ease of access outside of its normal operating hours and the ability to ‘switch on’ the Airport’s landing lights.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance service has a state-of-the-art base at Norwich Airport and has been located there since 2001.

During that time the EAAA has flown more than 32,000 life-saving missions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire from the Airport. It delivers highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics by air or car to seriously ill or injured people in the region.

New Norwich to Jersey summer route

Norwich Airport is celebrating the return of flights to Jersey with the start of Blue Islands’ new summer service.  The direct Norwich to Jersey flights operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer up until 24 September.

Rob Veron, Chief Executive of Blue Islands, said: “We’ve seen an excellent response to our convenient twice-weekly service, proving a popular option for those in the Norwich area looking forward to once again enjoying the warm welcome of Jersey”.

Blue Islands have teamed up with Premier Holidays to offer a range of holidays to Jersey from Norwich Airport. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France, where British familiarity mixes with a continental feel.

Mark Godfrey, Director of Premier Holidays, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Blue Islands on the Norwich to Jersey service. By offering a wide selection of competitively priced holidays to Jersey including short breaks, luxury gourmet stays, traditional package holidays, coach groups and self-catering options, Premier Holidays have secured strong forward sales for the 2022 season.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director at Exeter Airport, said: “Jersey is a very welcome addition to our summer schedule, and we’re delighted to be offering passengers even more choice from their local airport. We’re offering 17 direct destinations in nine countries in 2022/23, plus worldwide connectivity via Amsterdam, and are seeing a significant increase in passengers.”

Countries reached directly from Norwich Airport in 2022/23 include Bulgaria (Bourgas), Cyprus (Paphos), Greece (Corfu, Crete, Rhodes), Italy (Bergamo, gateway to the Italian Lakes), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Spain – Balearics (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca), Spain – Canaries (Tenerife), and Turkey (Dalaman). There are also day trips and arctic experiences to Lapland.

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Norwich Airport has published its full schedule for 2022/23

Norwich Airport has published its full schedule for 2022/23, with 18 destinations in nine countries, and more than 150 connections worldwide thanks to year-round flights to Amsterdam.

Whether it’s summer sun, an arctic adventure, the Italian Lakes or global business travel, Norwich Airport offers a world of choice.

Countries reached directly from Norwich Airport in 2022/23 include Bulgaria (Bourgas), Cyprus (Paphos), Greece (Corfu, Crete, Rhodes), Italy (Bergamo, gateway to the Italian Lakes), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Spain – Balearics (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca), Spain – Canaries (Tenerife), and Turkey (Dalaman).

In the UK there are year-round flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Exeter with Loganair, and a summer service to Jersey, with Blue Islands. There are also day trips to Lapland. All flights are on sale now via the airport’s website.

Richard Pace, Managing Director at Norwich Airport, said: “After two years of disruptions caused by the pandemic we’re delighted to be offering passengers such fantastic choice from their local airport.

“TUI have already launched their year-round holidays to Tenerife, and their flights to Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Turkey all take off from May, and are bookable now. KLM continues to increase its flights into Amsterdam, with fantastic onward connections to the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

“There are many benefits to flying local, including a quick journey to the airport, parking close to the terminal, short check-in and security times and total step-free access from the terminal entrance to flight boarding. We look forward to welcoming all our passengers in 2022.”

Norwich Airport is owned and operated by Regional & City Airports (RCA), part of Rigby Group plc.

To view Norwich Airport’s Fly 2022/23 schedule click here.

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Norwich – Jersey service for Summer 2022

Channel Islands airline to fly direct to Jersey

Direct flights to Jersey from Norwich will once again be possible from next summer as Channel Islands-based airline, Blue Islands has announced it will serve convenient twice-weekly flights as it further enhances its regional network with seats available to book now at blueislands.com.

Rob Veron, CEO of Blue Islands, said: “As Jersey’s airline, we’re thrilled to be providing new direct flights from Norwich and we look forward to welcoming new visitors from Norfolk to our beautiful island next summer as we grow our regional network.”

Although just 9 x 5 miles, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. It boasts a diverse coastline with amazing beaches and dramatic cliffs, together with a rich history, unique culture and mouth-watering cuisine created using the freshest local ingredients from the land and sea available at every turn!

Amanda Burns, CEO Visit Jersey, said: “Visit Jersey is delighted with this very positive announcement, which demonstrates the growing appeal of Jersey and provides a much-needed connection from East Anglia. We very much look forward to welcoming Blue Islands visitors from Norwich next year.”

Norwich Airport submits Imperial Park planning application

Norwich Airport has submitted a planning application for up to 120,000 square meters of new development at Imperial Park, located on the north side of the airport.

The application, which was the subject of public consultation over the summer, has been submitted to Norwich City Council and Broadland District Council.

The plans seek to renew the planning consent obtained for Imperial Park in 2020, with an increased amount of proposed total floorspace, from 95,000 square metres to 120,000 square metres. Consistent with the previous consent, the floorspace will be split equally between aviation related development and general employment development.

The increase responds to a desire by local authorities to see land safeguarded for aviation uses, and national and local planning policies to make the best use of brownfield land.

The application is mostly in outline for 37 hectares of land, with detailed proposals for a new access off Broadland Northway immediately to the north.

Norwich Airport sees return of Guernsey flights

Norwich Airport sees the return of flights to Guernsey this week with the first of five weekly Saturday services for anyone looking for a Channel Island break.

Guernsey’s own airline Aurigny is operating the flights until September 18, marking the return of a summer service that it last operated from Norwich in 2019.

Malcolm Coupar, Commercial Director of Aurigny, said: “Aurigny are delighted to be returning to Norwich airport this weekend with the first of five weekly Saturday flights direct to Guernsey in just 90 minutes.

“The seasonal service has always been popular and gives many the opportunity to visit the beautiful islands of Guernsey, Herm, Sark, Lihou and Alderney, which together make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Guernsey provides the safety of home yet the exotic appeal of an overseas location with much to see and explore. We look forward to welcoming aboard our visitors from Norwich and the surrounding areas.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It’s great to welcome Aurigny back with their flights to Guernsey and to be able to offer passengers another exciting destination from Norwich.

KLM resumes flights from Norwich Airport from 3rd August

From Monday, 3 August KLM will resume flights between Norwich Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Throughout the summer period, passengers from Norwich Airport will have the opportunity to connect to over 100 European and intercontinental destinations via Amsterdam. These include many destinations not requiring self-isolation upon return*.

For KLM and Norwich Airport the health and safety of customers and staff is an absolute priority. Both teams are fully mobilized to ensure the highest levels of health and safety to ensure all travel is in complete confidence.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM and Norwich Airport have introduced a range of health & safety measures, both onboard and at airports. For a full overview of KLM’s safety measures, please view the video here.

Commercial flights resume at Norwich Airport as demand builds

Commercial flights from Norwich Airport are now available to book once more, with KLM resuming daily flights to Amsterdam Schiphol from 3 August 2020, offering onward international connectivity.

TUI Tenerife returns in time for the winter season from 8 October 2020, whilst Loganair will increase the frequency of its Aberdeen route in August and recommence Edinburgh in September (dates TBC).

The first flight to recommence is to Bourgas, Bulgaria, operated by Balkan Holidays, scheduled for Thursday, 16 July 2020.

Norwich Airport has remained open for offshore helicopter flights, medical and military flights and General Aviation, whilst Loganair operated a reduced Aberdeen schedule. The airport has welcomed the return of commercial flying with proactive measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and passengers.