Nova Mobile Brings eSIMs to Gatwick Airport Travellers
In a bold move set to reshape the way travelers connect abroad, Nova Mobile has announced the launch of its first-ever eSIM concession stand at London Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, going live in mid-August. This marks a milestone not just for the company but for the UK eSIM industry—the first time a major UK airport has welcomed an independent MVNO to operate on-site.
With millions of passengers departing through Gatwick each year, Nova Mobile is now positioned at the heart of where connectivity matters most.
A Shift in Strategy: Meeting Travellers Where They Are
Unlike many eSIM providers who rely heavily on online marketing and digital ads, Nova is taking a boots-on-the-ground approach. By setting up directly in an international airport, the brand puts itself in front of the exact people who benefit most from instant, contract-free data access: outbound travelers in need of reliable, affordable connectivity from the moment they take off.
“We’re building a brand that meets people at the point of departure,” Nova said in their announcement. “And helps them stay connected no matter where their journey takes them.”
What Travellers Can Expect
The new concession stand at Gatwick will offer:
- Instant eSIM setup via QR code scan
- No contracts, no paperwork
- Affordable data plans for 150+ countries
- Expert staff to educate on eSIM technology
- A practical alternative to roaming and physical SIM cards
Nova’s eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones and are designed to eliminate the common travel pain points—roaming charges, SIM card swaps, and unpredictable mobile costs abroad.
Educating the Market: Why This Matters
Nova sees this move as more than just a retail expansion—it’s an opportunity to educate travelers on the benefits and practicality of eSIM technology. For many, especially those unfamiliar with eSIMs, this stand could serve as their first real-world introduction to the concept.
“Our partnership with Gatwick reinforces our aim to keep travellers connected globally,” Nova Mobile noted. “As we scale, we plan to add value-added services that enhance the user experience.”
Nova Mobile eSIM vs other eSIM providers
Top 6 eSIM Providers for the UK
| Data Plan | BNESIM | Airhub | UBIGI | Nomad | Saily | GigSky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | €1.49 | – | – | €6.00 | €4.49 | €4.49 |
| 3 GB | €4.36 | €3.00 | €7.00 | €8.00 | €8.99 | €7.59 |
| 10 GB | €13.50 | €6.00 | €8.00 | €16.00 | €19.99 | €16.79 |
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Nova Mobile UK eSIM Plans & Prices
| Data Plan | Plan Type | Includes Calls & SMS | Validity | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | United Kingdom | ❌ No | 7 days | €4.71 |
| United Kingdom+ | ✅ 10 min / 10 SMS | 7 days | €5.18 | |
| 3 GB | United Kingdom | ❌ No | 30 days | €9.42 |
| United Kingdom+ | ✅ 30 min / 30 SMS | 30 days | €11.77 | |
| 10 GB | United Kingdom | ❌ No | 30 days | €20.71 |
| United Kingdom+ | ✅ 100 min / 100 SMS | 30 days | €27.30 |
For the 1 GB plan, Nova Mobile charges €4.71 for data-only and €5.18 with 10 minutes of calls and 10 texts. While more expensive than BNESIM (€1.49) and others, it’s one of the few options that includes voice and SMS—ideal for short-term travellers needing more than just data.
At the 3 GB level, Nova’s €9.42 (or €11.77 with 30 mins and 30 texts) is significantly higher than Airhub (€3.00) or BNESIM (€4.36), but remains the only provider offering a voice-enabled plan, making it a solid option for travellers who want full mobile service.
For 10 GB, Nova is the most expensive at €20.71 (data-only) and €27.30 (with 100 mins and 100 texts), compared to competitors like Airhub (€6.00) and UBIGI (€8.00). However, it’s also the only provider bundling voice and SMS, appealing to those who want seamless connectivity without local SIM hassle.
Nova Mobile’s 1 GB, 3 GB, and 10 GB plans are clearly more expensive than most competitors—sometimes more than double the price. Providers like Airhub, BNESIM, and UBIGI offer much cheaper data-only options. However, Nova is one of the few that includes calls and texts, which can be useful for some travellers. If you just need data, there are far better deals. But if you value having a number to make local calls or receive SMS without switching SIMs, Nova offers convenience—at a premium.
What This Means for the eSIM Industry
Nova’s move could mark a pivotal shift in how eSIMs are adopted across the UK and Europe. By focusing on high-traffic travel hubs, they’re meeting users at the exact moment connectivity matters most. This isn’t just about selling data—it’s about reshaping consumer expectations. As airports evolve into digital gateways, eSIM brands with a physical presence stand to gain a major strategic edge.
Final Boarding Call
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a digital nomad, or a holidaymaker tired of roaming charges, Nova Mobile’s Gatwick stand represents a new era of effortless travel connectivity. It’s simple, instant, and cost-effective—and it’s waiting for you just before you take off.
