Liverpool’s Norway link returns as Widerøe announces twice-weekly service

A twice weekly link between Liverpool and Bergen, in Norway, will be re-established from next summer, after ceasing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, Widerøe, announced it will be returning to operate flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

It last operated from Liverpool in 2020 with the previous service to Bergen stopping due to the pandemic. The return of the airline next year is set to be three years since last operating from Liverpool.

Widerøe will become the third new airline to commence operations from Liverpool since the lifting of COVID travel restrictions, as the airport continues its recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, following Lufthansa and PLAY airlines who started services from Liverpool for the first time earlier this year.

Flights between Liverpool and Bergen will again operate on Fridays and Mondays and will be ideal for taking weekend breaks to Norway’s second largest city and the gateway to the Norwegian Fjords.

It is also expected to prove popular again with Norwegian football fans flying over to attend Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United matches during the football season.

Liverpool will be Widerøe’s second UK operation, with its only other UK flights currently serving London Heathrow, and will see Norway become the 25th European country to be linked with direct connections from Liverpool.

The new service will commence on March 31, 2023, using the airline’s 110-seat Embraer E190-E2 jet aircraft.

Paul Winfield, director of aviation development for Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates the confidence airlines now have regarding the opportunities available to them at Liverpool and we are delighted to welcome Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, Widerøe, back to Liverpool.

“Their twice weekly service will once again provide passengers from across the North West with a great way to visit the city of Bergen as well as access to the Fjords and the popular cruise market from there.

“It will also allow passengers from across Norway to visit Liverpool and the wider North West.”

Christian Skaug, commercial director for Widerøe, said: “After two challenging years with severe international travel restrictions, we are extremely happy to share the news that we are returning to Liverpool.

“We have high hopes for this route, both for travelers from Norway to Liverpool and for the ‘Merseysiders’ to further discover Norway and Bergen. The route is tailor made for excellent onwards connections into the famous Norwegian fjords and the breathtaking scenery of the north.”