Virgin Atlantic launches non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Phuket
PARADISE IS CALLING
From 18th October 2026, Virgin Atlantic will be soaring seasonally to Phuket three times a week, operating on a Boeing 787-9.
As the only direct route between London Heathrow and Phuket, the new service will make it easier than ever to jet off to Thailand’s largest island.
Can’t wait to plan your escape? Packages with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and selected travel trade partners will go on sale from 30th October 2025 with flight only bookings on sale from 26th November 2025.
Virgin Atlantic is delighted to be launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for Winter 2026, connecting sunshine seekers with Thailand’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife.
The three times a week service will operate seasonally from 18th October 2026, capturing the growing demand for luxury winter escapes. As the only direct route from London Heathrow to Phuket, Brits will now be able to enjoy a seamless journey to one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations. Customers will be able to book package holidays with Virgin Atlantic Holidays from 30th October 2025, with prices starting from £999 per person. Flights will also be available to book from 26th November 2025 on virginatlantic.com.
Beyond its stunning beaches, Phuket boasts a rich culinary scene and cultural attractions ranging from the majestic Golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang to the twisting streets of old Phuket town, offering a vibrant mix of sun, culture and adventure. Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 20 accommodation options in Phuket and over 80 throughout Thailand including the destinations of Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi / Koh Yao Yai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui Pattaya and, of course the vibrant capital Bangkok. With luxury boutique eco-resorts, family-friendly hotels and secluded adults-only retreats, there is something for everyone from the intrepid traveller, the luxury sun seeker and families looking for adventure. A partnership with Bangkok Airways as well as land and sea transfers allow easy connectivity for those travellers looking to explore beyond Phuket with options to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi and beyond.
These new flights to Thailand boost Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ winter sun portfolio, complementing the airline’s seasonal services to Cancun which launched on 19th October 2025, as well as The Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and year-round Caribbean options, all offering travellers the opportunity to escape the British winter and enjoy far flung adventures in exotic locations.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “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. As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”
| KEY FACTS: VIRGIN ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS (AND SELECTED TRAVEL TRADE PARTNERS) |
Holidays on sale date: 30th October 2025 Holidays package: Lead in price: London Heathrow to Phuket £999pp Prices are per person based on two adults travelling in the month of October 2026, staying for seven nights at the 4* Sugar Marina Hotel Fashion - Kata Beach in a Deluxe Double room on bed and breakfast basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Phuket and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. 5* Luxury Price London Heathrow to Phuket £1599pp Prices are per person based on two adults travelling in the month of October 2026, staying for seven nights at the 5* The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani in a Sands Double Room on an all inclusive basis. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Phuket and include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. For more information, please visit www.virginatlantic.com/holidays.
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| KEY FACTS: FLIGHTS |
Service operates: London Heathrow (LHR) – Phuket (HKT). Operating seasonally in the winter from 18th October 2026 Frequency: Three times weekly (Wed, Fri, Sun from London Heathrow and Thurs, Sat and Mon from Phuket) On sale date: 26 November 2025 Flight number: VS214 / VS215 Schedule: VS214: LHR – HKT: 12:00 – 07:10(+1) VS215: HKT – LHR: 09:20 – 16:00 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Configuration: 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, 192 Economy What’s included: A full service onboard offering including complimentary food and drink and over 300 hours of entertainment (movies, TV and music). All aircraft are WiFi enabled. |
ENDS
For more information, please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747373 or email press.office@fly.virgin.com
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. Virgin Atlantic has been voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the ninth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 9,250 people worldwide, flying customers to 28 destinations throughout the year.
Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years.
In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.