Virgin Atlantic Launches Inaugural Saudi Flights
Saudi tourism officials have welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s new direct flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh, enhancing air connectivity and tourism growth. Virgin Atlantic now operates daily flights on Airbus A330neo aircraft, offering travelers a seamless journey to Saudi Arabia’s capital city.
The new Riyadh route marks the 10th airline joining Saudi’s Air Connectivity Program, part of Vision 2030’s tourism and economic strategy. The initiative aims to attract international travelers while diversifying the Saudi economy and boosting global airline partnerships.
Simplified Entry for International Travelers
UK, US, and Schengen visa holders are now eligible for Saudi Arabia’s instant eVisa, making travel to the Kingdom more accessible. Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the Saudi market supports increased tourism and business connections between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
On March 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic inaugurated two strategic routes: daily flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Toronto, Canada. The airline has returned to Toronto Pearson Airport after a decade, reconnecting major financial centers while strengthening its network via London Heathrow.
Virgin Atlantic’s Toronto service expands its North American reach under the $17 billion North Atlantic joint venture with Delta, Air France, and KLM. A new codeshare partnership with Saudia Airlines further strengthens connectivity, offering enhanced travel options across SkyTeam alliance networks.
These new flights facilitate global connections for business travelers while reuniting families across continents. Virgin Atlantic’s expansion underscores its commitment to offering premium service and seamless connectivity across international markets.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
| Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Departure & Arrival Times | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (RUH) | March 30, 2025 | Daily | LHR-RUH: 14:45 / 23:35 \ RUH-LHR: 01:25 / 07:00 | A330neo |
| Toronto (YYZ) | March 30, 2025 | Daily | LHR-YYZ: 17:10 / 20:30 \ YYZ-LHR: 20:20 / 10:30 (+1) | A330-300, A330neo |
Virgin Atlantic’s Return to Canada
Virgin Atlantic’s new Toronto flights provide enhanced connectivity between North America and India via London Heathrow. Passengers can easily connect to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, expanding travel opportunities for business and leisure travelers alike.
Strengthening Partnerships for Seamless Travel
The Toronto service integrates with Virgin Atlantic’s partnerships with Air France, Delta, KLM, and Canadian carrier WestJet. These collaborations reinforce the airline’s transatlantic presence while offering customers an extensive global route network.
Virgin Atlantic’s daily flights to Riyadh align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, promoting economic transformation and tourism development. Riyadh’s rapid expansion, including new business districts and entertainment complexes, makes it an attractive destination for travelers and investors.
Boosting Trade Between the UK and Saudi Arabia
Trade between the UK and Saudi Arabia reached £17.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to £30 billion by 2030. Air travel demand between both nations is expected to increase by 24% from 2019 to 2035, supporting economic growth and bilateral relations.
Riyadh’s growing business sector, F1 circuit, and cultural attractions enhance its appeal. The route also serves Saudi travelers heading to the UK and beyond through Virgin Atlantic and Delta’s extensive networks.
Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo aircraft on the Riyadh route will provide 30 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight. This capacity supports trade by transporting fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value goods between Riyadh, the UK, and the US.