Virgin Atlantic has inaugurated a new seasonal non-stop service from London Heathrow to Phuket, enhancing access to Thailand's popular island destination. The service, which began on 19 October 2026, will operate three times a week until 26 March 2027, coinciding with the UK winter season. This new route is part of a joint marketing campaign between Virgin Atlantic and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aimed at increasing high-value tourism from the UK.
The inaugural flight, VS214, was welcomed at Phuket International Airport by representatives from TAT, Virgin Atlantic, and the airport. Passengers were greeted with commemorative souvenirs, marking the significance of the new connection. TAT Deputy Governor Chiravadee Khunsub highlighted the potential for increased tourism value, noting that UK visitors tend to stay longer and spend more per trip.
The service departs London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Phuket the following day. Return flights leave Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The route complements existing UK–Thailand services, with airlines like Thai Airways International and EVA Air already operating between London and Bangkok.
TAT's London Office has launched a marketing campaign to promote travel on this route, resulting in over 9,000 bookings and significant audience exposure. The UK remains a top tourism revenue generator for Thailand, with over one million UK arrivals in 2025. The new service is expected to further boost tourism, with UK travellers typically enjoying extended stays and diverse experiences across Thailand.
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
