Virgin Atlantic Ends London–Tel Aviv Flights
Virgin Atlantic has announced the permanent cancellation of its London Heathrow to Tel Aviv service with immediate effect, closing a chapter that began in September 2010 and was repeatedly disrupted since October 2023. In a brief statement, the airline apologized to passengers whose bookings were affected and promised direct email notifications to anyone who reserved tickets through Virgin Atlantic’s website or customer service channels.
Despite the route’s cessation, Virgin Atlantic emphasized that its codeshare partnership with El Al will continue. Through this arrangement, up to four daily El Al flights will carry Virgin customers between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and London Heathrow, offering seamless connections onward to destinations across the UK and the United States.
Virgin Atlantic first suspended its Tel Aviv operation on October 11, 2023, shortly after conflict erupted in Gaza. The airline had planned to resume service multiple times—initially proposing a relaunch in September 2024 with a refuelling stop in Larnaca, Cyprus—only to defer each return date amid regional security concerns. In November 2024, Virgin blamed a shortage of spare parts for the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, postponing its comeback until October 2025. With ongoing tensions and logistical challenges, the carrier concluded that permanent withdrawal best serves its expanding network.
Before the outbreak of hostilities, Virgin Atlantic flew 14 weekly services on the 2,233-mile (3,592 km) London–Tel Aviv route using its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Passengers had enjoyed a choice of Premium, Upper Class and Economy cabins, but uncertainty over operations drove travelers to book with caution, prompting repeated “will they or won’t they” questions about the route’s future.
While Virgin Atlantic retreats from Tel Aviv, rival UK carriers are moving in. British Airways restored its own Heathrow–Tel Aviv flights in early April 2025, and easyJet plans to resume London Gatwick–Tel Aviv services in June 2025. Observers note that Virgin’s decision may reflect prudence in the face of renewed conflict, freeing up aircraft and coveted Heathrow slots for alternative routes where demand is steadier.
Indeed, Virgin Atlantic has continued to invest in new services. The airline recently launched daily flights to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, tapping into a growing Middle Eastern market, and has confirmed plans for a London–Seoul route beginning in early 2026, bolstering its presence in Asia. By redeploying its fleet and reallocating slots, Virgin aims to maximize efficiency and adapt quickly to shifting demand patterns.
Travelers booked on the cancelled Tel Aviv service will be eligible for full refunds or rebooking on partner carriers. Virgin Atlantic’s customer service teams are handling requests for compensation, re-accommodation and voucher issuance. The airline has urged affected passengers to monitor their email for instructions and to reach out to its customer support line for further assistance.
As the situation in the Middle East remains fluid, Virgin Atlantic’s exit from the Tel Aviv market underscores the complex interplay of geopolitical risk, operational constraints and network planning. The enduring codeshare with El Al, however, ensures that whether flying business, premium economy or economy class, Virgin customers will still have access to Tel Aviv via a trusted partner, preserving a vital travel corridor between the UK and Israel.
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