Virgin Atlantic increases capacity to South Africa

Virgin Atlantic has increased flight capacity to South Africa for its upcoming 2026/2027 winter season to meet demands for business and leisure travel.

From October 2026 through April 2027, Virgin Atlantic will operate up to 10 flights a week between London Heathrow and Johannesburg, alongside 11 weekly flights to Cape Town.

According to the airline, the increase in frequency comes as “international travel demand continues to climb, with South Africans showing a growing appetite for premium, experience-led travel”.

“By boosting capacity on both key routes, Virgin Atlantic aims to support tourism growth, facilitate trade and continue to strengthen ties between South Africa, the United Kingdom and onward global destinations.”

The updated schedule allows for earlier morning arrivals into South Africa to maximise time on the ground and later evening departures from Johannesburg for a more seamless overnight journey to London, it says.

Passengers landing at London Heathrow can connect to a wide range of destinations within the network across Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

As a SkyTeam member, Virgin Atlantic offers access to more than 200 destinations worldwide.

“We’re seeing strong momentum out of South Africa, particularly among travellers who value quality, convenience and memorable experiences,” says Marc Harding, Country Manager South Africa at Virgin Atlantic.

“This expansion is about meeting that demand with a product that stands apart, while continuing to invest in a market that plays an important role in our global network.”