For those who wish for some warmth as we head into the winter, Virgin Atlantic is planning to launch a direct service to Phuket for Winter 2026.
Virgin Atlantic is delighted to be launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for Winter 2026, connecting sunshine seekers with Thailand’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant nightlife.
The three-times-a-week service will operate seasonally from 18th October 2026, targeting demand for luxury winter escapes.
The planned operation is as follows:
VS214 DEPART LHR 12:00 ARRIVE HKT 07:10+1 VS215 DEPART HKT 09:20 ARRIVE LHR 16:00 Commences 18th October 2026 VS214 operates Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays VS214 operates Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays Booked Equipment: Boeing 787-9
Virgin Atlantic will operate a Boeing 787-9 on this route, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, 192 Economy Class seats installed. This being Virgin Atlantic, a full service onboard will be offered, including complimentary food and drink and over 300 hours of entertainment (movies, TV and music). All aircraft are WiFi-enabled.
Package holidays first
In a sign that Virgin Atlantic is targeting holiday passengers first, customers will be able to book package holidays with Virgin Atlantic Holidays from 30th October 2025, with prices starting from £999 per person. Flights will also be available to book from 26th November 2025 through Virgin Atlantic and its usual distribution channels.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 20 accommodation options in Phuket and over 80 throughout Thailand, including the destinations of Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi / Koh Yao Yai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Bangkok.
The airline has a partnership with Bangkok Airways as well as land and sea transfers, allowing easy connectivity for those travellers looking to explore beyond Phuket with options to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi and beyond.
In Quotes
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented:
“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.”
Winter Sun
Virgin Atlantic and its holidays arm, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, have been building out its winter sun portfolio over the past few years, as it seeks to capitalise on the higher-end holiday market, with a move to push holidays first, rather than the self-directed traveller.
The route to Phuket will join the airline’s seasonal services to Cancun, which launched on 19th October 2025, as well as The Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and year-round Caribbean options, all offering travellers the opportunity to escape the British winter and enjoy far-flung adventures in exotic locations.
With a softer market in the winter months (compared to the heavy summer of transatlantic traffic), Virgin Atlantic is launching the Phuket route to support its Holidays arm – where a lot more money can be made – rather than the aircraft be sat on the ground.
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