Virgin Atlantic has recently announced the launch of daily flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and London Heathrow, with its inaugural flight set to take off on March 30, 2025. This announcement comes as a result of a signing ceremony between the airline and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, attended by top executives from both organizations. The collaboration aims to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities presented by Saudi Vision 2030, which projects a 24% increase in air travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia by 2035. Additionally, the annual trade between the two countries was valued at £17.1 billion in 2023, with plans to reach £30 billion by 2030.
Shai Weiss, the CEO of Virgin Atlantic, expressed excitement about introducing UK customers to Saudi Arabia and its rich culture, heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and renowned sporting and music events. The airline plans to leverage its partnership with Delta Air Lines to enhance connectivity between the UK and the US, along with its codeshare with SkyTeam partner Saudia to strengthen regional connections. The launch of this new route in 2025 will bring the iconic Virgin Atlantic brand, award-winning services, and exceptional staff to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing customers with a world-class travel experience.
Majid Khan, CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, welcomed Virgin Atlantic to Saudi Arabia and highlighted the positive impact of the airline’s entry on the London Heathrow-Riyadh route on international inbound tourism from the UK and Virgin Atlantic’s North American network. With a flight duration of six hours and 50 minutes, the non-stop service from Riyadh to London Heathrow will be operated on Virgin Atlantic’s state-of-the-art A330neo aircraft, offering seamless connections to major cities in North America. The airline will also provide 30 tonnes of cargo capacity on each flight, facilitating trade between Riyadh and key markets in the UK and US.
Virgin Atlantic, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, is renowned for its innovation and exceptional customer service. The airline offers three cabin classes—Upper Class, Premium, and Economy—each designed to provide a unique and memorable travel experience. From complimentary food and drink in every cabin to over 300 hours of entertainment options, including the latest films, TV shows, and music, Virgin Atlantic ensures passengers are well taken care of throughout their journey. The airline’s Upper Class features fully flat beds and the spacious Retreat Suite on the A330neo, while The Loft provides a social space for passengers to conduct meetings, socialize, or relax.
In addition to passenger services, Virgin Atlantic’s new Riyadh-London route will offer cargo capacity for companies looking to export and import goods, such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, between the two destinations. With Heathrow Airport located just 15 minutes from Central London, passengers can easily access the city’s vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scene, as well as its bustling business and financial district. The airline’s commitment to delivering a personalized experience is evident in its onboard offerings, including Halal meals, local inflight entertainment, and cabin crew trained in local customs and preferences.
The launch of daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow by Virgin Atlantic signifies a new chapter in the airline’s commitment to expanding its global network and providing passengers with world-class travel experiences. With the support of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership is set to enhance connectivity between the UK, Saudi Arabia, and North America, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between the regions. As Virgin Atlantic continues to innovate and elevate the travel experience for its customers, the new route is poised to become a key link in the airline’s network, connecting passengers to exciting destinations and opportunities around the world.
