On October 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic announced the launch of new services between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Phuket (HKT) in Thailand for the winter 2026/27 season. Flights will operate daily using the carrier’s fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The route follows a trend set by the airline for offering seasonal long-haul routes from the UK to winter sun destinations, with Phuket joining the likes of the Maldives, Cape Town, and Cancun, the latter of which only began in late October 2025. The airline also serves several Caribbean destinations as well as Dubai, offering year-round sunshine breaks. The UK carrier joins leisure airline TUI on the London to Phuket route, which operates its own flights from London-Gatwick Airport (LGW), also using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The commencement of flights on the new route on October 18, 2026, marks a return to the Asia-Pacific region for the airline. Virgin Atlantic has previously served Tokyo-Narita, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sydney in the past, although these routes were later dropped by the airline. The company currently serves Seoul in South Korea. The flights to Phuket will however, be the first time that the carrier has served an airport in Southeast Asia.
Given the close ties the airline has with its in-house tour operator, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, it is likely that the services will be aimed at the leisure market, with the holiday firm already offering flight and accommodation packages on its website for those looking to book early
Flights will operate three times a week on the carrier’s 17-strong fleet of 258-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. In Virgin Atlantic’s configuration, these aircraft are laid out in a three-class configuration with 31 flat beds in Upper Class (business class), 35 in premium economy, and 192 seats in economy class.
The timings of the new flights will see Virgin flight VS214 depart London at 12:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Phuket at 07:10 the following morning. The return flights (VS215) are scheduled to depart Phuket at 09:20 on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, arriving back at Heathrow at 16:00.
According to an airline statement, “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 the vibrant Thai 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, allows easy connectivity for those travellers looking to explore beyond Phuket with options to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi, and beyond,” added the statement.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We are 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 cannot wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”
