Airline expands its long-haul network with Thailand’s largest island as newest seasonal destination
Virgin Atlantic has announced a new seasonal service between London Heathrow (LHR) and Phuket (HKT), beginning 18 October 2026, marking the airline’s first direct connection between the UK and Thailand’s largest island. The three-times-weekly flights, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will be the only non-stop service between London and Phuket.
The new route caters to growing demand for premium winter escapes and expands Virgin Atlantic’s winter sun portfolio, complementing existing seasonal destinations such as Cancun, The Maldives, Dubai, and Cape Town.
Bookings for Virgin Atlantic Holidays packages open on 30 October 2025, with prices starting from £999 per person, while flight-only tickets go on sale from 26 November 2025 at virginatlantic.com.
Passengers can expect a full-service onboard experience with complimentary meals, drinks, WiFi, and over 300 hours of inflight entertainment. The Boeing 787-9 features 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy seats.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. “As well as making the trip more convenient, customers can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and cuisine with our signature Virgin Atlantic hospitality.”
Beyond Phuket’s beaches, Virgin Atlantic Holidays will offer over 80 accommodation options across Thailand, including Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Bangkok, with seamless onward connectivity via Bangkok Airways and local transfer options.
Flight schedule (from 18 October 2026)
- VS214: London Heathrow 12:00 ? Phuket 07:10 (+1)
- VS215: Phuket 09:20 ? London Heathrow 16:00
Days of operation: Wed, Fri, Sun (from London) / Thu, Sat, Mon (from Phuket)
With this launch, Virgin Atlantic strengthens its position in the premium leisure travel market, connecting British travellers directly to one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations.