Virgin Atlantic Expands to Riyadh and Accra
Buckle up and get ready for some thrilling new routes! Virgin Atlantic is expanding its horizons from London Heathrow with the launch of two exciting destinations—Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Accra, Ghana—set to take flight in the summer of 2025. This bold move is designed to boost the airline’s presence in the Middle East and West Africa, catering to both business professionals and leisure seekers alike.
Daily Flights to Riyadh: A New Gateway to Saudi Arabia
Starting March 30, 2025, Virgin Atlantic will be flying daily to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This new route aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance tourism. Given the UK-Saudi Arabia trade partnership valued at £17.1 billion in 2023, with ambitions to hit £30 billion by 2030, the demand for flights between these two nations is on the rise. Expect a 24% increase in air travel between 2019 and 2035.
Riyadh, the dynamic capital city, offers a burgeoning business district, a thrilling F1 circuit, and plenty of shopping and entertainment options. It also serves as a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Al Ula, Al Ahsa, and historic Jeddah. Virgin Atlantic’s new route will link Riyadh to twelve North American destinations, including major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, through its partnership with Delta.
The route will feature Virgin Atlantic’s cutting-edge A330neo aircraft, promising a top-notch travel experience. The airline aims to serve the growing ‘visiting friends and relatives’ (VFR) market, reflecting the increasing number of Saudis residing in the UK. Additionally, the partnership with SkyTeam member Saudia will provide onward connections to cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, with Flying Club members earning and redeeming Virgin Points across Saudia’s network.
Virgin Atlantic Returns to Accra: Reconnecting with Ghana
Virgin Atlantic will also make a grand return to Accra, Ghana, with daily flights starting May 1, 2025. This marks the airline’s first foray back into Ghana since 2013, promising to enhance connectivity between the UK and Ghana, particularly for the sizable Ghanaian diaspora in the UK—the third largest in the world. The airline anticipates that around 10% of passengers will connect through London to Virgin Atlantic’s service to New York JFK.
Flights to Accra will be operated on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins, plus an onboard bar for an elevated in-flight experience. With strong demand for cargo services, Virgin Atlantic will offer 30 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight, facilitating the transport of goods like fresh produce between Ghana and key markets in the UK and US.
Key Highlights Virgin Atlantic Expands to Riyadh and Accra:
- New Daily Flights to Riyadh: Starting March 30, 2025, offering connections to twelve North American destinations.
- Return to Accra: Daily flights resuming on May 1, 2025, with Boeing 787 Dreamliner services and ample cargo capacity.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Partnerships with Delta, Saudia, Air France, KLM, and WestJet for expanded travel options.
- Cutting-Edge Aircraft: New routes will utilize Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner for superior travel experiences.
Virgin Atlantic’s new routes reflect its commitment to connecting vibrant cities across the globe, offering travelers more options and supporting economic growth through improved trade and tourism. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “With Riyadh and Accra joining our network in 2025, we’re thrilled to connect friends, families, and businesses with our new services. We’re excited to strengthen our partnerships and offer enhanced benefits to our loyal customers.”
Ready to explore these new destinations? Check out our DMC in Saudi Arabia for help with travel and accomodation or our DMC in Ghana for help.
