Virgin Atlantic is set to expand its global network in summer 2025, adding new destinations and marking a return to previously served markets. The airline will launch new routes from London Heathrow to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Accra, Ghana, and reintroduce flights to Toronto, Canada, after a decade-long hiatus.
New Route to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Starting March 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic will offer a daily service to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using its state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft. This route is designed to support the anticipated growth from Saudi Vision 2030, with trade between the UK and Saudi Arabia expected to reach £30 billion by 2030. Riyadh, a city in rapid expansion, will serve as a gateway to cultural landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites across Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the partnership with SkyTeam member Saudia will offer further connections to destinations within Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Return to Accra, Ghana
Virgin Atlantic will reintroduce daily flights to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, beginning May 1, 2025. This marks the airline’s return to Ghana for the first time since 2013, responding to the demand from the UK’s significant Ghanaian diaspora. The route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins. The Accra route is expected to be a strong cargo lane, facilitating the transport of goods such as fresh produce between Ghana and key markets in the UK and US.
Expansion into Canada
Virgin Atlantic will also return to Canada with the launch of direct flights between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport starting March 30, 2025. This marks the airline’s first Canadian route in over a decade, providing enhanced connectivity to North America. The Toronto route will be operated in partnership with Air France, Delta, KLM, and Westjet, and will offer connections to India via London, including the newly launched destination of Bengaluru, as well as Mumbai and Delhi.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: ‘Riyadh and Accra join Toronto as new routes for summer flying in 2025 and we see huge opportunities to connect friends, relatives and businesses with our new services. We’re also delighted to build on our codeshare with SkyTeam partner Saudia, further strengthening connectivity in the region, and beyond, and bringing new benefits to our loyal customers.
‘We look forward to launching these new routes in 2025, introducing the iconic, inclusive Virgin Atlantic brand, award-winning experience and our amazing people to new customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ghana and Toronto.’
All new routes to Riyadh and Accra will be available for booking starting September 12, 2024.
