Virgin Atlantic has announced a new seasonal route connecting London Heathrow to Phuket, Thailand, set to launch on 18 October 2026. The three-times-weekly service will make it easier than ever for British travellers to reach one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after beach destinations, just in time for the winter sun season.

As the only direct connection from London Heathrow to Phuket, the route caters to growing demand for luxury escapes and exotic adventures during the colder months. Flights will go on sale from 26 November 2025 at virginatlantic.com, while Virgin Atlantic Holidays packages — starting at £999 per person — will be available from 30 October 2025.

Beyond its famous beaches and turquoise waters, Phuket offers a blend of culture, cuisine and adventure, from visiting the Golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang to wandering the vibrant old town’s colourful streets. Travellers can choose from more than 20 Virgin Atlantic Holidays properties in Phuket and over 80 across Thailand, including Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Bangkok.

Through its partnership with Bangkok Airways, Virgin Atlantic will also offer smooth land and sea connections across Thailand, making multi-destination itineraries simple for those who want to explore beyond Phuket.

The new service strengthens Virgin Atlantic’s winter sun portfolio, joining popular routes to Cancún, The Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and the Caribbean — offering travellers year-round access to the world’s most scenic and sunny destinations.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic, said:

“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. As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”