Virgin Atlantic Expands to Phuket as Winter Schedules Take Flight

Virgin Atlantic is expanding its route network to include a new service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Thailand. The airline will launch flights on October 18, operating three times weekly during the winter season with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

The new route marks Virgin Atlantic's entry into the HKT market, which is a significant destination for tourists from London. According to OAG data, nearly 700 people traveled between LON and HKT each day in 2025, making it the second-largest European market to Thailand after Moscow.

Etihad Airways was the largest carrier on this route last year, followed by Qatar Airways and Emirates. The Middle East Big Three carriers collectively operated up to ten daily departures from their respective hubs to HKT in 2025, which has increased to a high of 12 daily services this year.