We have been writing about and waiting for nonstop Hawaii to Europe flights for years. And barring anything weirder happening in the world, we still expect to see Hawaiian Airlines fly nonstop between Honolulu and London after they take delivery of their upcoming fleet of Boeing 789 Dreamliners. Check back with us later on that coming to fruition anytime soon. But in the interim, nonstop flights from Honolulu to Europe actually occurred just this week.
On Tuesday, Norwegian Air operated two nonstop flights from Honolulu to Frankfurt. That in order to ferry passengers from the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship, after it docked in Honolulu. The charter flight used Boeing 744 aircraft from Wamos Air. The two flights first stopped in Germany, then went on to Madrid to drop off passengers.
The arrival of the cruise ship in Honolulu that lead to the world-wide charters that followed, was unexpected. While originally refused docking, a last minute change in plans occurred, that resulted from one of the ship’s engine’s failing. It was not deemed safe for it to continue across the Pacific to San Diego, as had otherwise been planned.
See NCL Jewel in Hawaii – 9 Charter Flights.
While not for the reasons we were of course hoping, there have now been two nonstop Hawaii and Europe flights. When flights start as scheduled flights in earnest, these will be about 14 hours in duration.
Hawaiian has been planning to begin delivery of its new fleet for long range flights starting next year. We don’t know if that will change now, but with those planes will come new routes, including Southeast Asia, as well as Europe/UK.
See Boeing Dreamliner Shakes Up Hawaiian Airlines Fleet. You can also see the new Hawaiian Dreamliner interior here.
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So how long would a flight from Hawaii to London take anyways?
This needed Google Earth, zoomed out, with a great circle path to see how this could even be possible. It looks to be about 7,200 from to either London or Germany. On the Germany trip it gets to about 450 miles from the north pole.
Aloha.
That is some good news if it comes to pass. European flights direct to the Islands would make the travel so much more bearable. Long flight, yes, but much better than wasted time in airports and enforced overnight stops.
I do Hawaiian plump for European routes. It would be great travelling out of Dublin (Ireland) as that airport has immigration pre-clearance and that means no waiting when you arrive. Please pass that on.
Mahalo for this news.
Hi Denis.
Yes we hope it comes to pass for us here in Hawaii too.
Aloha.
Considering the current situation with Covig 19 and how it is expanding in Europe. Right now I am having a difficult time with this news.
So, a nonstop from Europe to Hawaii. I just can’t find happy with this news today. I just gave up travel and a lot of money and I am not finding anything good about this.
It says flights WILL BE coming. These charter flights were to fly to evacuate cruise ship passengers BACK to Europe. So no mainland travelers were harmed.
Hi Gary.
Thanks!
Aloha.
I hope when they return they are empty other than crew. Not economical but safer. Please protect Hawaii more than the mainland was able to protect itself.
Michele