Virgin Atlantic is waving goodbye to mainland China. The airline announced the suspension of its only route to the country, citing operational challenges that have made the service commercially unsustainable.
The final flight between London Heathrow and Shanghai Pudong will depart on October 25th, 2024. This will effectively bring to an end a 25-year chapter for Virgin Atlantic in China.
Virgin Atlantic Decision
The decision comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions that have impacted air travel. It has followed on from the ongoing airspace restrictions which have been imposed on Russia.
Airspace restrictions imposed on Russia are forcing airlines flying between Europe and Asia to adopt longer routes, which significantly increase travel time and operational costs.
Virgin Atlantic highlighted these “significant challenges and complexities” as a major contributing factor in their decision, according to Bloomberg.
Extended Flight Times a Possible Cause
While specific details haven’t been disclosed, industry analysts believe the extended flight times due to rerouting were a key concern.
These longer routes likely require additional crew and aircraft, significantly impacting operational budgets.
Virgin Atlantic’s widebody Boeing 787-9 aircraft currently operate the route. Flights between London and Shanghai have reportedly increased by an hour eastbound and two hours westbound since airspace restrictions began.
Withdrawal from East Asia Market
This suspension signifies Virgin Atlantic’s complete withdrawal from East Asia. The airline previously terminated flights to Hong Kong in October 2022 and Tokyo in 2015.
However, there might still be a glimmer of hope for the future. Virgin Atlantic has expressed interest in potentially returning to the region with flights to Seoul, South Korea. This will hinge on the completion of the Korean Air-Asiana Airlines merger.
Passengers booked on flights after October 25th will be contacted by Virgin Atlantic to arrange refunds or rebooking options.
The airline also maintains a codeshare agreement with China Eastern Airlines, allowing travelers some continued connectivity between the UK and East Asia.
Conclusion
Virgin Atlantic’s departure from mainland China marks a shift in the landscape of Europe-Asia travel. The airline’s decision reflects the ongoing impact of geopolitical issues on global aviation.
With Virgin Atlantic exiting the scene, passengers traveling between Europe and China will have one less long-haul carrier option.
This will likely mean consequences of potentially longer routes offered by the remaining airlines serving the sector.
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