BRITISH Airways is launching a brand-new direct service to a "cheaper alternative" to Lapland. The UK flag carrier will launch its first-ever flight to a magical Norwegian town later this year. The new direct service will operate between London Heathrow and Tromsø, Norway from December 1, 2024.

Twice-weekly services will operate every Thursday and Sunday until March 27, 2025. Outbound flights will leave London Heathrow at 8.15am before arriving in Tromsø at 12.

05pm local time. Return flights from Norway will depart at 1.40pm, touching down in the UK at 4.

05pm. Tickets are already on sale for the seasonal service, with return fares starting from £153 per person. Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: "Those who missed the northern lights in the UK need not worry! "We are excited to welcome Tromsø to our route network – it is a growing winter leisure market thanks to its abundance of cold-weather activities and we’ll be the only premium carrier operating there from the UK.

"We’ve optimised the schedule for three- and four-night trips, which we know are perfect for a destination like this." When the new route launches later this year, Tromsø will become the airline's northernmost destination. Operating throughout the winter, there is no shortage of wintery delights for families to sample during a yuletide visit.

Located quite a bit further north than Finnish Lapland , Tromsø is arguably an even better place to spot the northern l.