Virgin Atlantic Returns to Dubai with Plans for Daily Service in Winter 2024

• Four times a week seasonal winter service began on 30 October 2023, operated by a Boeing 787-9.
• Daily service during our W24 season (Oct 24 – Mar 25).

Virgin Atlantic has initiated its service between London Heathrow and Dubai. The airline successfully touched down in Dubai last week, and this four-times-a-week service will operate seasonally from now until March, with plans to increase it to a daily service in winter 2024.

The airline anticipates that this new route will be well-received by leisure travelers and aims to cater to the growing demand for premium winter sun getaways. The UAE’s consistently warm climate and a mere three-hour time difference make it an attractive destination for couples and families alike.

Liezl Gericke, Head of International at Virgin Atlantic, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We’ve been eager to return to Dubai when the timing was right, and we are confident that our customers will be thrilled with the reintroduction of this popular route. Introducing a new destination or bringing back an old favorite always warms our hearts. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or reuniting with friends and family in the United Kingdom.”

Rob Whitehouse, Vice President of Research at Dubai Airports, also shared his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic to Dubai International (DXB), the world’s busiest and one of the most iconic aviation hubs. Dubai Airports’ partnership with Virgin Atlantic has a long history, and this launch marks an exciting chapter in our shared goal of providing travelers with an exceptional guest experience, both on the ground and in the air. This new addition enhances our connectivity and further establishes Dubai as a global destination and gateway to other cities.”

The route officially began on October 30th and is serviced by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering a total of 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy Delight, Classic, and Light seats. This new service will ensure seamless connections and a consistent long-haul onboard experience for customers connecting from Dubai via London Heathrow to various destinations across North America on both the Virgin Atlantic and Delta networks, including cities such as New York, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

In addition to passenger services, Virgin Atlantic will also provide 20 tons of cargo capacity on each flight. This efficient cargo service opens up new opportunities for businesses seeking to import and export goods like fresh produce and high-tech products between the Middle East and key markets in the UK and the US.