Norwich International Airport

Imagine an airport where the journey from the car park to the departure zone takes less time than making a cup of coffee. Norwich Airport is exactly that place: a cosy, compact, and welcoming air gateway to the picturesque county of Norfolk and the famous Broads National Park. Instead of the endless corridors of giant hubs, a homely atmosphere awaits you here, where every staff member seems ready to personally escort you to your plane. At the same time, thanks to a unique connection with Amsterdam, this small regional hub effectively opens access for residents and guests of the United Kingdom to hundreds of destinations around the globe with just one convenient transfer.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main "highlight" of Norwich is its status, which locals call the "world's local airport". A key advantage is the long-standing partnership with KLM: several daily flights to Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) allow passengers to check in their luggage in Norwich and collect it at their final destination, whether it be New York or Tokyo, bypassing the hustle and bustle of London airports.

Furthermore, the airport is famous for its phenomenal speed of service. Thanks to the compact terminal, security and boarding procedures are completed as quickly as possible. An important helicopter hub is also based here, serving the energy sector of the North Sea, which gives the airport a distinct business rhythm. For those who value enhanced comfort, the renovated Executive Lounge offers a panoramic view of the runway and is available to passengers of any airline for an additional fee.

• Official Airport Website: www.norwichairport.co.uk
• Information Desk Phone: +44 1603 411923
• Airport Address: Amsterdam Way, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6JA, United Kingdom
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address info@norwichairport.co.uk. It is recommended to check the official website for current contacts for specific departments.
• Social Media: The airport maintains pages on popular social networks where you can follow news and flight updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged checked luggage, you should contact your airline first. If you have lost personal items within the airport premises, please contact the Lost Property service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To arrange Special Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, a request must be made through your airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Norwich Airport (NWI) is conveniently located just a few kilometres north of the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple. Regardless of your budget and preferences, there are several ways to get to the terminal to catch your flight.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport from the centre of Norwich is by bus. Specialised routes, such as the Airport Park & Ride, run regularly between the city and the airport. The journey usually takes about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic, and the ticket cost is approximately 3-4 GBP. If you arrive in Norwich by train, you will first need to get from Norwich Railway Station to the city centre, and then transfer to a bus to the airport. This is a reliable and inexpensive option, but be sure to check the schedule in advance, especially if you have an early or late flight.

Taxi and Transfer

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the airport. The travel time from the city centre is only 15-20 minutes. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. Both local taxi services and popular ride-hailing apps operate in the city. The estimated cost of a trip from the city centre is 15-20 GBP. It is recommended to book a car in advance to guarantee availability and secure a better rate.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Norfolk after arrival, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of major rental companies are located directly at the airport. For those driving to the airport in their own vehicle, convenient parking facilities are provided. There are options for both Short Stay and Long Stay parking. To save money, it is recommended to book a space in the long-stay car park online in advance, as prices can be significantly lower compared to paying on arrival.

Alternative Airports

Although Norwich Airport serves many destinations, travellers in the United Kingdom sometimes use major hubs for a wider choice of international flights. For example, Stansted or London Luton airports can be reached from Norwich by train or bus, although such a journey will take significantly more time.

Norwich Airport (NWI) is a compact and convenient regional airport, which is very easy to navigate thanks to its simple and logical structure. Travellers do not have to worry about complicated transfers or long walks between different parts of the terminal complex.

A key feature of the airport is its single passenger terminal, which serves all flights, both domestic and international. This significantly simplifies navigation and reduces the time required for pre-flight formalities. All infrastructure is located in one building, making it ideal for passengers who value speed and comfort.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall where the Check-in desks and baggage drop points are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security control point, which is located nearby. Once through security, you immediately enter the departure zone.

The Departures Lounge is a cosy space where passengers wait to board their flight. It has everything necessary: shops, cafes for a light meal, and comfortable seating areas. The Arrivals area is located in a separate part of the same building. After disembarking, passengers enter the baggage reclaim hall and pass through customs control, after which they exit into the general hall where greeters wait and car rental offices are located.

Due to the airport's compact size, passing through registration and security usually takes significantly less time than in large international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 1.5–2 hours before international flights and 1–1.5 hours before domestic ones, to complete all procedures without rushing.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transfers between terminals is irrelevant. All gates are within walking distance of each other. Navigation is as simple as possible—just follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. Getting lost in Norwich Airport is practically impossible.

The history of Norwich Airport (NWI) dates back to the Second World War. Initially, it was not a civilian facility but a military airbase of the Royal Air Force, known as RAF Horsham St Faith. The base was opened in 1940 and played an important role as an airfield for bombers. After the war, it continued to be used by both British and American air forces until the 1960s.

The transition to civil aviation began in the late 1960s when local authorities purchased the site. It officially began functioning as a civilian airport in 1971. This event was a turning point for the entire region, opening new opportunities for travel and business. Initially, the infrastructure was modest, but as passenger traffic grew, the airport began to develop actively.

Significant modernisation took place in the late 1980s. In 1988, a new, more modern passenger terminal was opened, replacing the old RAF-era buildings. This step allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved service quality. In subsequent years, the airport continued to expand its route network, adding popular holiday destinations and important business flights to European hubs.

In 2004, the airport was privatised, which gave a new impetus to its development and investment in infrastructure. One of the interesting facts is that Norwich Airport is not only a gateway for tourists but also a key base for helicopter operations serving gas and oil platforms in the North Sea. This makes it an important industrial and logistics centre for the entire eastern United Kingdom.

Norwich Airport (NWI), despite its compact size, offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. Conditions are created here for both tourists and business travellers to ensure that waiting for a flight is as pleasant and productive as possible.

Before departure, you can have a meal in a cafe offering hot dishes and snacks, or relax in a lounge area with a selection of beverages. For those planning to shop, there are stores, including classic Duty Free. Here you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs at competitive prices.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters online. Special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Financial services are represented by ATMs; however, the currency exchange point may have limited opening hours, so it is better to clarify this in advance.

For passengers who value enhanced comfort, the Executive Lounge is open. This is the ideal place to rest in silence while enjoying complimentary snacks and refreshments. For business travellers, the lounge offers convenient workspaces, and fully equipped conference rooms can be rented at the airport for meetings or negotiations.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Families with small children can use baby changing rooms. In case of need for first aid, please contact any airport staff member immediately. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including escort through the terminal and onto the aircraft.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, there are several hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which can be reached in minutes. This allows you to rest before or after your flight without worrying about the commute.

Despite its compact size, Norwich Airport (NWI) offers travellers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. The main dining establishments are located in the main terminal both before and after security control, allowing you to choose a suitable place depending on your schedule.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, passengers will find the airport's main restaurant and lounge — The Navigator Pub. This is an ideal place for those who want to relax and enjoy a hot meal. The menu offers British cuisine classics: from a traditional full English breakfast to fish and chips, burgers, and various sandwiches. Here you can also try local beverages — a great opportunity to get acquainted with the produce of the Norfolk region. This is the best choice for a leisurely lunch or dinner while waiting for a flight.

Before security control (landside), in the general check-in hall, there is a coffee shop from the well-known chain Costa Coffee. This is an excellent option for a quick bite. Here you will be offered a wide selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, as well as fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. The cafe is perfect for those who have arrived at the airport early, or are seeing off or meeting passengers.

Regarding special dietary needs, the main restaurant menu usually includes vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. For more detailed information or if you have strict requirements (such as Halal options), it is recommended to speak directly with the establishment's staff. The price range in the airport establishments is average, typical for airports in the United Kingdom. Opening hours are generally synchronised with the flight schedule — establishments open for the first morning departures and operate until the last evening flight.

To ensure your journey through Norwich Airport goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared some useful tips. This compact and convenient airport mainly serves European and domestic flights, making navigation through it quite simple.

Arrival Time Recommendations

Although Norwich Airport is smaller than major hubs like Heathrow, it is better not to take risks. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before international (European) flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights within the United Kingdom. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security control without haste.

Check-in and Security Control

The fastest way to check in is via online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to the bag drop desk or, if you are travelling light, directly to the security zone. During security control, be ready to present your boarding pass, remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, and place all liquids in a separate transparent bag.

Hand Luggage Restrictions

Standard rules apply here: all liquids (shampoos, perfumes, creams) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each. All of them must fit into one transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects (scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, knives) and flammable substances in the cabin. Electronic cigarettes and power banks should be carried only in hand luggage.

Tips for Choosing a Seat

If you want to admire the views, choose a window seat (A or F). If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs or quickly access the restroom are important to you, take an aisle seat (C or D). Seats in the front part of the cabin allow you to exit the plane faster upon arrival, while seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but often for an additional fee.

Transfer Passengers and Customs

Norwich Airport is not a major transit hub, so most passengers start or end their journey here. If you do have a transfer, follow the "Flight Connections" signs. Arriving from a country outside the Single Customs Territory with the United Kingdom, you will need to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding the allowance, you need to go through the "Red Channel".

How to Save Time and Money

• Parking: Book your parking space online in advance — it is almost always cheaper than paying on the day.
• Food and Water: Prices at the airport can be high. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control. Light snacks (non-liquid) are also allowed to be brought with you.
• Transfer: Research options to get to or from the city in advance. Sometimes pre-booking a taxi or bus online works out to be better value.

If Your Flight is Delayed

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, according to regulations, you may be provided with vouchers for food and drinks. Know your rights as a passenger. Norwich Airport has cafes and shops where you can pass the time, as well as Wi-Fi access to stay connected.