NO FRILLS TO BRAZIL

Economy airline Norwegian is to begin budget flights to Brazil, breaking British Airways’ monopoly.

They will start a four-weekly service from Gatwick Airport to Rio de Janeiro from March 31 next year.

Non-stop flights will cost from £240 one-way. For £50 extra you get two meals on board, a reserved seat and 20kg of checked-in baggage.

A quick look on BA’s website shows travelling on the same day in standard economy would cost you nearly £1,600 at Norwegian’s rival.

The move comes even though BA owner International Airlines Group owns a 4% stake in Norwegian.

International Airlines Group is being linked with a bid for struggling low-cost airline Flybe.