Introduction to New Routes
Virgin Atlantic, in a strategic expansion of its network, has announced the addition of three new routes from London-Heathrow Airport, set to begin operations by the northern summer season of 2025. These routes include Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Accra in Ghana, and Toronto in Canada, enhancing the airline’s global connectivity.
Diving into the Riyadh Route
For the first time in its 40-year history, Virgin Atlantic will establish a daily service to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious growth plans under the Saudi Vision 2030 program, which aims to expand its business and tourism sectors significantly. This includes new airport constructions and the introduction of Riyadh Air, a second national carrier. The UK-Saudi Arabia trade was valued at £17.1 billion in 2023, with a projection to reach £30 billion by 2030. The airline anticipates a 24% increase in air travel between these two nations from 2019 to 2035, emphasizing the route’s potential. Virgin Atlantic aims to tap into the significant business travel market and the growing visiting friends and relatives (VFR) market, noting a 500% increase in Saudis residing in the UK from 2000 to 2018.
Return to Accra, Ghana
Virgin Atlantic will recommence its service to Accra, a route previously discontinued in 2013. This daily service to Kotoka International Airport will cater to the third-largest Ghanaian diaspora located in the UK. The airline estimates that approximately 10% of passengers will use this service to connect through Heathrow to New York’s JFK Airport. The reintroduction of the Accra route underscores Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to serving diaspora communities and fostering stronger ties between the UK and Ghana.
Hello Again, Toronto
Following an announcement in June 2024, Virgin Atlantic is set to resume operations to Toronto, marking its return to Canadian skies after more than a decade. The service will commence on March 30, 2025, facilitating enhanced connectivity to North America. This route will also support increased travel to India, with optimal connections through London to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The addition of these new routes is part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and provide more comprehensive service offerings to its customers. By partnering with Saudia, a fellow SkyTeam member, Virgin Atlantic will offer extended connectivity within the Middle East and to other international destinations. This collaboration will enable seamless travel options for passengers traveling to the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
Conclusion
Virgin Atlantic’s new routes for the summer of 2025 represent a significant expansion of its network, aiming to connect more destinations, serve diverse markets, and enhance its competitive edge in the airline industry. The introduction of services to Riyadh, Accra, and Toronto underscores the airline’s commitment to broadening its reach and providing high-quality, reliable services to new and existing markets.