Flights to Bristol from the ‘Big Apple’ launched with WOW air

A new flight route linking Bristol and New York has been announced this week by WOW air - Iceland's low-cost airline.

Flights will operate twice-a-week starting on November 27 between Newark Liberty International Airport in New York and Bristol Airport, via Reykjavik, with single fares starting from just $149*.

WOW air's expansion to New York follows the successful launch of transatlantic services from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Washington D.C., Toronto and Montreal to both London Gatwick and Bristol, as of May 2016.

Kathryn Davis, Destination Bristol's Head of Tourism, said: "Recent Visit Britain figures show we welcomed record numbers of international visitors to Bristol last year, and new flights like this help to make us an appealing, affordable and accessible destination to an even wider audience. The US is an important market for Bristol so we're delighted that more people will have the opportunity to come and discover our vibrant city for themselves."

Bristol Airport's west terminal extension opens this summer, with Hampton by Hilton planning to open the airport's first hotel by the end of the year. A number of other new hotels will open in the city during the next few years, including Bristol Harbour Hotel on Corn Street in autumn and Bristol's first five-star hotel - The Guildhall in 2018. There are also a number of exciting new visitor attractions planned, including Aerospace Bristol and Being Brunel as well as significant developments at St George's Bristol, John Wesley's Chapel, Bristol Old Vic and Colston Hall.

The flights begin during a magical time in Bristol as the city gets into the Christmas spirit. Festivities will include At-Bristol Science Centre's open-air ice rink on Millennium Square, a variety of Christmas markets and the return of the ever-popular Spiegeltent to the harbourside. Traditional pantomime Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome starring skating stars Torvill and Dean, The Snow Queen at the UK's oldest working theatre - Bristol Old Vic - and the city's annual Slapstick Festival brightening up January will also give international visitors a glimpse of classic British entertainment. With Bristol just a 12-minute train journey from Bath, visitors from the US will be able to schedule two remarkable West Country cities into their stay.

Tickets for the new route are on sale now via www.wowair.co.uk.

* Based on lowest one-way fare including taxes and charges booked on www.wowair.co.uk. Restrictions and booking/baggage fees may apply.