Virgin Atlantic brings A350 to Joburg

Virgin Atlantic is celebrating 30 years of flying to South Africa by introducing the Airbus A350-1000 on its daily route from 25 October 2026.

It will further add three additional weekly flights in December, between its Johannesburg to London service. This comes a year after Virgin Atlantic adjusted the flight times departing and arriving from South Africa.

The new schedule will give travellers more options between Johannesburg and London, with onward connections to destinations across Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Marc Harding, Virgin Atlantic’s country manager for South Africa, said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the customers, employees and partners who had supported the airline over the past three decades.

The expanded schedule marks the next chapter for Virgin Atlantic in South Africa, with additional capacity and a new aircraft on its Johannesburg route.

The upgraded daily service will operate as follows:

• VS449: London Heathrow (LHR) – Johannesburg (JNB), operated by the A350-1000
• VS450: Johannesburg (JNB) – London Heathrow (LHR), operated by the A350-1000

From mid-December 2026, Virgin Atlantic will further increase capacity on the Johannesburg route with three additional weekly services, operated by a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

The additional flights will operate as follows:

• VS461: LHR – JNB, from 13 Dec 2026, operating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
• VS462: JNB – LHR, from 14 Dec 2026, operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The additional flights will provide more capacity during South Africa’s busy summer and festive travel season.

A NEW AIRCRAFT ON THE VIRGIN ROUTE

The Airbus A350-1000 will bring Virgin Atlantic’s latest-generation aircraft to its daily Johannesburg service. Passengers will have access to the airline’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins, with its onboard dining, entertainment and hospitality offering.

Eligible passengers departing Johannesburg can also use the airline’s Johannesburg Clubhouse, which offers locally inspired dining, regional wines and spirits, showers and luggage storage.

To mark the anniversary, Virgin Atlantic will offer up to three complimentary cabin upgrades across flights VS450 during the anniversary period. Terms and conditions apply.

The Johannesburg route connects South African travellers with the UK and Virgin Atlantic’s wider international network.

The airline is also a member of SkyTeam, which offers global connections and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits, alongside its partnerships with other airlines.

For more information on flight schedules and bookings, visit the Virgin Atlantic website.