Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant expansion of its network for summer 2025, adding three new destinations: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Accra, Ghana; and Toronto, Canada.
These strategic additions aim to tap into emerging markets with substantial growth potential.
A New Riyadh Service
A new service to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport aims to participate in the growth expected from Saudi Vision 2030. In 2023, annual trade between the UK and Saudi Arabia was worth £17.1 billion.
The Saudi government has an ambition to reach £30 billion of trade by 2030. Accordingly, air travel between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia is forecast to grow 24% between 2019-2035.
The launch of daily flights to Riyadh marks a significant milestone for Virgin Atlantic. As Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious modernization efforts, the city has emerged as a vibrant hub for business, culture, and tourism.
With its thriving business district, world-class entertainment venues, and rich historical heritage, Riyadh offers a compelling destination for both leisure and corporate travelers.
Virgin Atlantic’s new route to Riyadh will not only cater to the growing demand for direct flights between the UK and Saudi Arabia but also provide convenient connections to other destinations in the region.
Flights to Riyadh will operate daily on the airline’s state of the art A330neo, the newest aircraft in Virgin Atlantic’s fleet, with the first flight departing London Heathrow on 30 March 2025.
The airline’s partnership with Saudia, a SkyTeam member, will offer seamless onward journeys to cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and beyond.
Returning to Accra
Virgin Atlantic will return to Ghana for the first time since 2013. It now plans to reinstate daily flights to Kotoka International Airport in the nation’s capital, Accra, from May 2025.
The airline will provide much needed competition on the route, which currently lacks a choice of routes between the two countries. The Ghanaian diaspora in the UK is one of the largest in the world, and the new route will provide a direct and convenient way for people to visit friends and relatives.
Launching on 1 May 2025, the daily service will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft boasting the airline’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy Delight, Classic and Light cabins.
Beyond the VFR market, Accra also presents a significant opportunity for Virgin Atlantic to tap into the growing Ghanaian economy. The airline’s cargo services will facilitate trade between Ghana and key markets in the UK and the US, transporting a wide range of goods, including fresh produce and specialized products.
Expanding in North America
The addition of Toronto to Virgin Atlantic’s North American network marks a strategic expansion for the airline. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a thriving financial and cultural hub. It attracts business travelers, tourists, and students from around the world.
The new service will operate on a mix of aircraft including the A330neo. It will see direct flights between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Virgin Atlantic will provide a more convenient and efficient travel option.
It provides optimal connectivity for customers traveling to India via London. Flights from the newly launched destination Bengaluru, alongside Mumbai and Delhi, which both operate twice daily.
The airline’s partnership with WestJet will also enhance connectivity within Canada.
Summary
Key Highlights of Virgin Atlantic’s Expansion
- New routes: Riyadh, Accra, and Toronto
- Strategic partnerships: Collaboration with Saudia and WestJet
- Cargo services: Transporting goods between key markets
- Customer benefits: Convenient connections, award-winning service, and flexible travel options
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, expressed his enthusiasm for the airline’s expansion plans. “These new routes represent exciting opportunities for us to connect people and businesses worldwide,” he said.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional service and innovative travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board our flights to Riyadh, Accra, and Toronto.”
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