Holidaymakers seeking winter sun have been handed a major boost with the announcement of a brand-new, non-stop flight route from London to a top tropical destination.
New Route to a Thai Paradise
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it will begin a seasonal direct service connecting London Heathrow (LHR) with Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Thailand. The inaugural flight is scheduled for the 18th of October 2026, marking the first and only direct link between Heathrow and the popular island.
The airline will operate the route three times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays throughout the winter season. The services will be flown using Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, offering a streamlined journey to Thailand's spectacular west coast.
Soaring Demand for Thai Getaways
The launch capitalises on a significant surge in British interest in Thai tourism. Industry experts note that the country's profile has been raised further by recent popular culture, including the showcasing of its luxury resorts in the third season of The White Lotus.
As Thailand's largest island, Phuket is famed for its stunning Andaman Sea beaches, dramatic limestone karsts, and vibrant nightlife in areas like Patong. Beyond the coast, visitors can explore the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket Old Town, visit ornate Chinese temples, or take in panoramic views from the iconic Big Buddha statue.
Package Holidays and Expanded Exploration
Travellers can already book their escape, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays offering package deals starting from £999 per person. These went on sale from the 30th of October, with flight-only bookings opening on the 26th of November.
The holiday arm provides over 20 accommodation options in Phuket alone, ranging from luxury eco-resorts and adults-only retreats to family-friendly hotels. For those wishing to explore further, the airline has established partnerships, including with Bangkok Airways, to facilitate easy connections to other Thai hotspots like Bangkok, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, stated: "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."
This new route strengthens Virgin Atlantic's winter sun portfolio, joining its seasonal services to destinations such as Cancun, the Maldives, Dubai, and Cape Town.
