lzavoral@mercurynews.com

OAKLAND — Norwegian Air will start flying nonstop from Oakland to London’s Gatwick Airport starting May 12, airline and airport officials announced Monday.

Those flights will give Bay Area travelers an option they’ve never had before: The choice of flying to London from the Bay Area’s second- and third-largest airports instead of just San Francisco. British Airways is launching its nonstops from Mineta San Jose International Airport on May 4.

Norwegian’s new route is the third international destination out of Oakland International Airport for the popular low-fare European carrier. The airline already flies to Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden.

And it marks a milestone for the Oakland Airport.

“We’re pleased that London Gatwick will be our 50th nonstop destination, a record high in OAK’s history,” Kristi McKenney, acting director of aviation, said in a statement.

New Dreamliner 787 jets will be used for the three-times-weekly trips across the pond, Norwegian officials said.

Tickets for the new flights are available starting at $299 each way at www.Norwegian.com/us.