Virgin Atlantic is taking its global presence to new heights with the launch of three exciting new routes for summer 2025. The airline is expanding its reach with daily flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Accra, Ghana, and a return to Toronto, Canada. These strategic additions underscore Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and meeting the increasing demand for international travel.
Riyadh: A Gateway to Saudi Arabia’s Growth
Starting March 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic will initiate daily flights from London Heathrow to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This route aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan aimed at diversifying the Saudi Arabian economy. The UK-Saudi trade relationship is flourishing, with a value of £17.1 billion in 2023, projected to reach £30 billion by 2030. Air travel between the two nations is expected to witness a substantial increase, with a 24% rise predicted from 2019 to 2035.
Riyadh is undergoing a period of rapid development, with the emergence of a new business district, a Formula 1 circuit, theme parks, and entertainment venues. The city also serves as a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural tapestry, providing access to historical sites like Jeddah, the gateway to Mecca, Al Ula, Al Ahsa, and the captivating Rock Art in Hima. Virgin Atlantic will utilize its A330neo aircraft for this route, offering a generous 30 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight for the transportation of fresh produce and pharmaceuticals. This route also strengthens Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with SkyTeam member Saudia, enabling seamless connections to destinations within Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and China.
Return to Accra: Strengthening Ties with Ghana
Virgin Atlantic will resume flights to Ghana on May 1, 2025, operating daily services to Kotoka International Airport in Accra. This new route will inject competition into a currently limited market, catering to the substantial Ghanaian diaspora in the UK. It will also provide convenient connections to Virgin Atlantic’s New York JFK service. Flights to Accra will be operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins, along with an onboard bar. The route will also boast a 30-tonne cargo capacity per flight, facilitating the movement of goods between Ghana and key markets in the UK and US.
Expansion in Canada: Back to Toronto
Virgin Atlantic is also expanding its North American network with a new route to Canada, commencing on March 30, 2025. Direct flights will connect London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson International Airport, marking the airline’s return to Canada after more than a decade. A mix of A330neo and A330-300 aircraft will service this route. This addition will complement Virgin Atlantic’s expanded services to India and other international destinations, facilitated by partnerships with Air France, Delta, KLM, and Canadian airline WestJet.
These strategic additions to Virgin Atlantic’s route network demonstrate its commitment to providing its passengers with greater choice and connectivity across the globe. With its focus on comfort, innovation, and strategic partnerships, Virgin Atlantic is poised to continue its growth trajectory, offering a world-class travel experience to discerning travelers.
