LONDON- Virgin Atlantic (VS) has expanded its network eastward with the introduction of a new daily service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH), marked by a special arrival event featuring founder Sir Richard Branson.
Looking ahead, the airline has announced daily flights to Seoul, South Korea (ICN), beginning March 29, 2026. This will create connections to destinations across East Asia, including Japan, Greater China, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.
Virgin Atlantic Eastward Expansion
The Seoul route represents a significant step in Virgin Atlantic’s eastern expansion strategy, complementing existing services to Dubai (DXB) and the Maldives (MLE). The airline is also growing its presence in India, where it now operates five daily flights to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR).
The new route targets leisure travellers attracted by Korean food culture, shopping, and the global “Korean Wave” of popular music. The service will also facilitate connections to Japanese destinations, including Tokyo (HND), Osaka (KIX), Fukuoka (FUK), Okinawa (OKA), and Hokkaido (CTS).
Virgin Atlantic (VS) will operate the Seoul route using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with tickets going on sale May 14, 2025.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Virgin Atlantic (VS) has completed its inaugural flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH), marking the airline’s first service to the Kingdom. The daily flights to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) aim to capitalise on business opportunities created by Saudi Vision 2030.
The Riyadh route serves as a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s expanding attractions, including its business district, F1 circuit, theme parks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Through partnerships with Saudia (SV), customers can connect to historical Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Al Ula, Damman, and Red Sea resorts.
The service primarily targets Saudi Arabian travellers visiting the UK and North America. There are seamless connections to twelve destinations across Virgin Atlantic (VS) and Delta (DL) networks. The route also serves the growing community of Saudis living in the UK, which increased fivefold between 2000 and 2018.
Virgin Atlantic (VS) has created a specialised “Riyadh core crew” with training in Saudi culture. The airline offers Arabic coffee and dates during pre-departure service in Upper and Premium cabins.
It provides Halal meal options throughout, and plays the Travellers Prayer before the safety video.
Celebrating 25 Years of Service to India
2025 marks Virgin Atlantic’s 25th anniversary of flying to India, now the airline’s third-largest market outside the UK and the USA. The carrier currently operates 5 daily flights – one to Bengaluru (BLR) and 2 each to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL). It offers one million seats annually, representing 350% capacity growth since 2019.
The increased service supports cargo operations for the fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors. The capacity is for over 40 million kg of goods annually, a 336% increase from 2019 levels.
The airline has partnered with IndiGo (6E), India’s largest carrier, providing connections to 36 Indian destinations. Since launching in September 2023, this partnership has connected over 130,000 customers.
Virgin Atlantic (VS) has recruited India-based crew members, ensuring an average of 3 Indian crew members speaking Hindi and local dialects on every India flight. UK-based staff have received cultural training to better serve Indian customers.
The airline has introduced new menu items. It reflects India’s culinary heritage and expanded its entertainment options to include Indian movies, TV series, and Bollywood music.
Partnerships For Global Connection
Through SkyTeam alliance partners, Virgin Atlantic (VS) offers extensive connections from Seoul to 15 cities across South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.
Virgin Atlantic (VS) has also signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Riyadh Air (RX), set to begin operations in 2025, aiming to enhance connectivity between London and Saudi Arabia.
Bottom Line
Virgin Atlantic’s strategic expansion into Eastern markets signals a significant shift in the airline’s global positioning beyond its traditional transatlantic focus.
By establishing new routes to Riyadh and Seoul while strengthening its Indian presence, Virgin Atlantic(VS) is positioning itself to capture growing business and leisure travel demand between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These moves suggest the airline recognises shifting global economic power and travel patterns, particularly targeting countries with strong economic growth prospects.
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