Virgin Atlantic has announced two further summer destinations for 2025. Following the recent announcement to reopen Toronto, Canada the airline have announced Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Accra, Ghana.
The additional destinations diversify the airline away from it heavy America and Caribbean focus. Both routes will be on sale from 12th September 2024 with Riyadh flights starting in March 2025 and Accra in May 2025.
Riyadh, Saudia Arabia
The announcement of the Riyadh route marks the airlines first ever route to the city with a daily service to King Khalid International Airport. It is likely the route has been subsidised by the Saudis as the service intends to participate in the growth expected from Saudi Vision 2030. With the number of Saudis living in London on the rise and increasing tourism globally towards the nation the service intends to be a growth destination for the airline.
The flight will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A330neo, and feature the new upper class seats. The flight will depart from London Heathrow starting from the 30th March 2025 with a 14:45 departure arriving at 23:35. The return flight will depart Riyadh at 01:25 with arrival in the UK at 07:00.
Accra, Ghana
Virgin Atlantic will return to Accra in 2025 for the first time since 2013 with daily flights to Kotoka International Airport. There are currently limited options for the route despite the UK being home to the third largest Ghanaian diaspora in the world. Interestingly 10% of customers are expected to connect onwards to New York.
The flight will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s older aircraft, the Boeign 787-9, and will feature the older style upper class seats. The flight will depart from London Heathrow starting from the 1st May 2025 with a 22:30 departure arriving at 05:00 the following day. The return flight will depart Accra at 09:15 with arrival in the UK at 17:25.
Toronto, Canada
Virgin Atlantic recently announced further expansion into North America with the introduction of direct flights to Toronto. The flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport, will also provide onward connections to India given the large Indian expat population in Canada.
The flight will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s, A330neo and A330-300, and will feature the newer style upper class seats on the A330neo. The flight will depart from London Heathrow starting from the 30th March with a 17:10 departure arriving at 20:30. The return flight will depart Toronto at 20:20 with arrival in the UK at 10.30 the following day.
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