News Desk
DUBAI: Virgin Atlantic is delighted to fly between London Heathrow and Dubai, as the airline touched down in Dubai last week. The four times a week service operates seasonally from now through to March and will ramp up to a daily service in winter 2024.
The airline expects the new route to be hit with leisure customers and aims to capture the increased demand for premium winter sun getaways. The UAE’s year-round warm weather with just a three-hour time difference is set to appeal to couples and families alike.
Liezl Gericke, Head of International at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’ve long wanted to return to Dubai when the time was right, and we know our customers will be over the moon with the reintroduction of this popular route. Nothing sets our hearts soaring like a new destination or reintroducing an old favourite. We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board, whether travelling for business or leisure or heading back to the United Kingdom to reconnect with friends and family.”
Rob Whitehouse, Vice President of Research at Dubai Airports said, “We’re thrilled 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 goes back many years and this launch marks an exciting chapter in our joint vision of providing travellers with an exemplary guest experience, on the ground and in the air. This new addition strengthens our connectivity and enhances the global appeal of Dubai as a destination and gateway to other cities.”
The route commenced on 30th October operating on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. The new service will offer seamless connections and a consistent long-haul onboard experience for those customers connecting from Dubai via London Heathrow to destinations throughout North America across both the Virgin Atlantic and Delta networks, including New York, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As well as flying customers, Virgin Atlantic will offer 20 tonnes of cargo capacity on each flight. This fast cargo service will offer new opportunities for companies looking to export and import goods such as fresh produce and high-tech products between the Middle East and prime markets in the UK and US.
Key facts:
Service operates: London Heathrow (LHR) – Dubai (DXB)
Frequency: Four times a week, winter seasonal service, launched on 30 October 2023
On sale date: 07 June 2023
Lead in fare: Return Economy fares start from per person 2533 AED
Flight number; VS400 / VS401
Schedule: LHR – DXB: 18.20 / 05:30 +1
DXB – LHR: 13:45 / 17:50
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Configuration: 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, 192 Economy
What’s included: A full-service onboard offering including complimentary food and drink and over 300 hours of entertainment (movies, TV and music). All aircraft are WiFi enabled.
Virgin Atlantic last operated flights to Dubai in March 2019.
