Norwegian will open a new base of operations in Madrid alongside six new routes from the Spanish capital in summer 2014.
Direct flights will be launched to Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Hamburg, Warsaw and London.
Madrid will be the carrier’s fifth base in Spain, after Alicante, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife.
“We have decided to open a new base in Madrid to meet the demand for direct flights between the Spanish capital and important cities in Europe,” said Norwegian’s CEO, Bjørn Kjos.
“We see a major passenger potential from the main airport in Madrid.
“At the same time, it is strategically important for Norwegian to have a base in the Spanish capital in light of our presence in the Spanish market and not least, in terms of our future plans,” he added.
Ignacio González, president of the region of Madrid, said the announcement was “excellent news for all Madrilenians”.
The carrier will base two Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the base and will recruit 70 pilots and 140 cabin crew locally.
Madrid-Oslo will operate three times a week and Madrid-Warsaw will run twice a week, both from June 3.
June 4 will see the launch of four weekly Stockholm and Hamburg services, as well as services to Helsinki three times a week.
Daily flights to London will commence on June 2.
Flights to Copenhagen will increase from three to four weekly flights between April and June, and from July, the service will become daily.
