Virgin Atlantic to Launch London–Seoul Flights in March 2026

Virgin Atlantic will launch nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon in late March 2026, marking its return to Asia. The service fulfills a commitment made to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) during the regulatory approval process for Korean Air’s merger with Asiana Airlines. As part of the deal, Korean Air agreed to release slots at both Heathrow and Incheon, allowing a competitor—Virgin Atlantic—to enter the London–Seoul market.

The new daily service will be Virgin Atlantic’s only Asian destination. The airline ended its Shanghai route in October 2024 and has not resumed services to Hong Kong since the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Tokyo Narita route was discontinued in 2014.

Virgin Atlantic will operate the flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft in a three-class configuration. The route is expected to cater primarily to leisure travelers and benefit from onward connections with Skyteam partners at Seoul Incheon. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines currently serve the London–Seoul route.

Under CMA requirements, Virgin Atlantic must operate the route for a minimum of three years. In February 2025, the CMA granted an extension after Virgin requested additional time and provided legal assurances it would begin service in time for the 2026 northern summer schedule.

Separately, Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it will permanently end service to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport due to ongoing security concerns. The airline had repeatedly suspended the route over the last 18 months before deciding to withdraw entirely.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com