Virgin Atlantic is set to launch a new direct flight route between London Heathrow Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The service, scheduled to commence in March next year, will utilise the Airbus A330 aircraft.
This development is the result of a cooperation agreement signed between Virgin Atlantic and the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), a key initiative of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism. The agreement, overseen by Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, is part of broader efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support the Kingdom’s ambitious National Tourism Strategy and National Aviation Strategy. The ACP, which has already seen partnerships with ten airlines this year, is pivotal in positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier global destination for international travellers.
Virgin Atlantic will operate its new Riyadh service using the Airbus A330neo, the newest aircraft in the airline’s fleet, with the first flight departing London Heathrow on 30 March 2025. The new aircraft offers a range of seating options, including the luxurious Upper Class suites, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Passengers can expect features such as mood lighting, state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, and enhanced seating comfort, all of which align with Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to providing a superior travel experience. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028.
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, “We are grateful for Virgin Atlantic’s decision to expand its A330neo fleet as part of its strategy to have the youngest fleet across the Atlantic. The A330neo not only delivers unbeatable operational seat mile cost and an exceptional passenger experience, it also greatly enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and contributes to their sustainability journey. We look forward to continuing this smooth and successful collaboration for many years to come.”
The launch of Virgin Atlantic’s direct flights to Riyadh reflects the increasing interest among UK travellers in Saudi Arabia as a holiday destination, as well as for business visits and corporate events. The introduction of Virgin Atlantic’s direct flights between London and Riyadh is expected to significantly facilitate travel between the two nations, catering to both business and leisure travellers. The daily service will offer seamless access not only to Riyadh but also to other key cities within Saudi Arabia, making it a convenient option for those wishing to explore the Kingdom’s diverse cultural and historical landscapes.
The easing of visa restrictions and the introduction of the e-visa system have made it more convenient for tourists from the UK and other countries to visit Saudi Arabia – and the soon to be launched Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will further facilitate travel. These changes, coupled with the increased air connectivity provided by Virgin Atlantic and other international carriers, are expected to drive a significant increase in the number of visitors to the Kingdom.
Virgin Atlantic, alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
FLIGHT TIMES:
LHR-RUH
VS242
14:45 / 23:35
RUH – LHR
VS243
01:25 / 07:00
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