- Mr Plane Guy
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Sawadee Phuket! Norse Launches Direct Flights from London Gatwick to Phuket, Thailand
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Flight Expert
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and book, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the blog and keeps the travel content flowing. Thanks for your support!
Phuket Just Got Much Easier to Reach
If you've ever tried to book a flight to Phuket, you'll know it rarely starts with excitement.
It usually starts with compromise.
A connection in Doha. A layover in Dubai. Maybe a dash across Istanbul Airport trying not to miss your next flight whilst carrying a £6 bottle of water you panic-bought at the gate.
By the time you've finally arrived in Thailand, you've spent half a day in airports and forgotten what time zone you're in.
That's why this announcement caught my attention.
From 4 December 2026, Norse Atlantic Airways will launch direct flights between London Gatwick and Phuket, creating a brand-new non-stop link between the UK and one of Thailand's most popular holiday destinations.
For anyone chasing winter sunshine, island-hopping adventures and luxury hotels that don't require a second mortgage, this is genuinely exciting news.
I've always thought Phuket perfectly captures what I mean when I talk about "luxury for less". You can check into a beautiful beachfront resort, eat incredibly well, enjoy world-class spas and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, all for a fraction of what a similar experience might cost elsewhere.
And now getting there has become a whole lot easier.
Check out Norse Cheap flights to Phuket
London Gatwick to Phuket Flight Schedule
Norse will operate three weekly flights between London Gatwick and Phuket during the winter season.
London Gatwick → Phuket
Z0795
09:50 → 04:45+1
Wednesday & Friday
Z0797
17:35 → 12:30+1
Monday
Phuket → London Gatwick
Z0796
06:45 → 13:05
Thursday & Saturday
Z0798
13:40 → 20:25
Tuesday
The route launches on 4 December 2026 and will operate throughout the winter season.
Can You Fly Direct From London to Phuket?
Now you can with Norse and Virgin Atlantic also operates direct flights to Phuket from London Heathrow.
Historically, most UK travellers heading to Phuket have needed to connect through:
Doha
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Istanbul
Bangkok
Whilst those routes work perfectly well, they often add several hours to the journey.
The arrival of a direct Gatwick service removes the hassle entirely.
No transit security.
No missed connections.
No wandering around giant hub airports wondering why you've just spent £8 on a bottle of water.
Just board at Gatwick and wake up in Thailand.
Why This Route Matters
This isn't just another route announcement.
New routes often mean:
More competition
Better fares
Increased choice
More package holiday options
Better value for travellers
The Thailand market is already fiercely competitive, and the arrival of another direct option from London should only strengthen that.
For travellers looking for winter sunshine, that's great news.
Want Cheap Norse Atlantic Flight Deals?
I don’t just review the flight, I track the fares too.
If you want mistake fares, flash sales and long-haul Norse Atlantic deals from the UK delivered to your inbox for £1, this is the tool I personally use.
Why I Think Phuket Is One of the World's Best Value Luxury Destinations
This is where Phuket gets really interesting.
When people hear "Thailand", many immediately think backpacking.
But Phuket can be incredibly luxurious. The difference? You don't usually need Maldives money to experience it. It's one of the few places in the world where you can still find:
Stunning beachfront hotels
Infinity pools
Five-star resorts
Private villas
Incredible spas
World-class dining
At prices that would be almost impossible to find in many European destinations.
That's why Phuket fits perfectly into my "Luxury for Less" philosophy.
You can enjoy a genuinely premium experience without feeling like you've remortgaged the house to pay for it.
Sleep Better on Your Norse Atlantic Flight
Whether you're flying Norse Atlantic to New York, Bangkok or Cape Town, getting comfortable can make a huge difference on a long-haul flight.
I've recently been using a memory foam travel neck pillow with 360° support, which helps keep your head upright instead of constantly falling forward while you try to sleep. The ergonomic design moulds to your neck using premium memory foam, while the breathable, hypoallergenic cover keeps it comfortable even on overnight flights.
If you're planning a Norse Atlantic trip, you can currently save 15% using my exclusive discount link below.
3D Bluetooth Sleep Mask
If you're a light sleeper like me, this is another brilliant travel upgrade. The 3D Bluetooth Sleep Mask blocks out cabin light completely while letting you listen to music, white noise or your favourite podcast without uncomfortable earbuds.
It's especially good if you sleep on your side, making it ideal for overnight flights and long journeys.
✔️ Designed for side sleepers
✔️ Complete blackout for better sleep
✔️ Built-in Bluetooth speakers
✔️ No uncomfortable earbuds
✔️ Perfect for flights, hotels and train journeys
What Can You Expect in Phuket?
Phuket offers much more than beaches.
Visitors can enjoy:
Island Hopping
Take day trips to:
Phi Phi Islands
James Bond Island
Similan Islands
Beaches
Some of Thailand's most famous beaches are found here, including:
Kata Beach
Karon Beach
Nai Harn Beach
Freedom Beach
Food
Thai cuisine is one of the best reasons to visit.
Expect:
Pad Thai
Massaman Curry
Fresh seafood
Mango sticky rice
Night markets packed with local dishes
Luxury Hotels
Phuket has some exceptional resorts that deliver a genuinely premium experience at surprisingly reasonable prices.
How Long Is the Flight From Gatwick to Phuket?
The direct flight takes approximately 12 hours.
That sounds long.
Because it is. But compared to many one-stop options, you're often saving several hours overall. And more importantly, you're avoiding the hassle of a connection.
For many travellers, that's worth a lot.
Flying Norse Atlantic Airways
If you're new to Norse Atlantic Airways, the airline has built a reputation around affordable long-haul travel using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
I've flown Norse multiple times and have reviewed both cabins.
Read Next
👉 My Honest Norse Atlantic Economy Review
👉 Norse Atlantic Premium Review
Norse isn't trying to be Emirates or Qatar Airways.
Instead, it's focused on providing straightforward long-haul flights at competitive prices.
And for routes like Phuket, that approach makes a lot of sense.
What About Luggage on Norse?
Norse has strict baggage rules, so read up before you rock up. Here’s the quick version:
Economy Light: 1 underseat personal bag item + 1 carry-on (10kg)
Economy Classic: 1 underseat personal bag item + 1 carry-on (10kg)
Economy Flextra: same, but with one checked bags
Premium fares include more generous luggage limits
Get the full lowdown here:
What’s the Allowed Size for a Carry-On Bag on Norse?
Here’s the current 2026 policy, straight from the Norse Viking playbook:
Norse Economy Cabin
Personal Item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (no weight limit, must fit under the seat)
Carry-On Bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max 10kg (22lbs)
Norse Premium Cabin
Personal Item: 45 x 36 x 22 cm (no weight limit)
Carry-On Bag: 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max 15kg (33lbs)
Important note: These dimensions include wheels and handles. If you’re even slightly over, staff will notice.
Also if you need a decent case, then check out LEVEL8 cases and use my code,
If you want a cabin bag that actually works across different airlines, I’ve tested what I think is the best carry-on suitcase for international travel.
How Strict Is Norse on Personal Items?
In a word? Strict. Norse doesn't let anything slide even your "oh-it’s-just-a-little-laptop-bag" personal item is likely to be weighed and assessed.
Make sure your bag is soft-sided, squishable, and doesn’t bulge out of the dimensions listed above.
My go-to personal item is the Cabin Max Metz 20L it’s comfy, compact, and fits every time.
Cabin Max METZ 20L Underseat Bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
This version fits Ryanair and Wizz Air's stricter free personal item limits. If you're flying Norse, I'd recommend the larger 30L version (45 × 36 × 20 cm), which better matches its allowance.
You can find more information about this bag Right Here
This bag is also compatible with most major airlines, making it a versatile travel companion beyond Norse.
It comes in so many different colour options
Plane Tip: Before your flight, weigh your bag at home and measure dimensions with a tape measure.
Flying From Gatwick?
If you're travelling from London Gatwick, I strongly recommend arriving early enough to enjoy one of the airport lounges.
Some of my favourites include:
Clubrooms Gatwick
No1 Lounge Gatwick
Plaza Premium Gatwick
You can read my complete guide here:
Or if you're considering lounge membership:
Use my link to get your pass :Take a Look Here If you're flying from Gatwick Airport.
Check out my Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
If you’re comparing options at Gatwick, I’ve tested them all:
No1 Lounge Gatwick North
Clubrooms Gatwick North
Best Lounge at Gatwick (full comparison)
Check out my Gatwick Airport Hotel Reviews
Got a really early morning flight from Gatwick? Here are some Gatwick Airport Hotels I've tried and tested.
Why Phuket Could Be One of the Most Popular New Routes of 2027
The timing feels perfect.
Travellers continue searching for:
Winter sun
Better value holidays
Long-haul destinations without huge costs
Thailand delivers all three.
The combination of:
Direct flights
Excellent hotels
Warm weather
Incredible food
Strong value
Makes this one of the most exciting route launches we've seen for some time.
Planning your next trip already?
I've rounded up the most exciting new routes launching in 2027, including direct flights to Phuket, Zanzibar and more.
What’s It Like to Fly Norse? My Honest Reviews
Norse Atlantic Airways is carving out a name in the low-cost long-haul space and from my experience, they're doing it well.
Norse Economy Review:
Spacious seats, friendly crew, and surprisingly smooth check-in. It’s a no-frills product, but for the price? Absolutely worth it.
Norse Premium Review:
A proper step-up in comfort. More legroom, extra recline, and overall a relaxing way to cross the Atlantic.
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.
Final Boarding Call
For years, Phuket has often required a stop somewhere along the way.
Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Bangkok.
From December 2026, that's no longer the case. Norse Atlantic Airways will give travellers a direct route from London Gatwick to one of Thailand's most popular destinations.
For anyone chasing winter sunshine, luxury hotels for less and a little slice of paradise, this could be one of the most exciting new routes of the year.
Sawadee Phuket.
I have a feeling this one is going to be popular.
Mr Plane Guy Let's Make Travel Better.
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About Me
a former airline insider, who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
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Thanks for reading Sawadee Phuket! Norse Launches Direct Flights from London Gatwick to Phuket, Thailand. Flown Norse recently? What do you think, let me know in the comments......
Airport lounges, free upgrades, travel chaos and the occasional meltdown. Real travel, not influencer nonsense.
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