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Virgin Atlantic announces new routes to Seoul and celebrates Riyadh service

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Virgin Atlantic announces new routes to Seoul and celebrates Riyadh service
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Virgin Atlantic | Official Website

Virgin Atlantic is set to expand its network with the announcement of daily flights to Seoul, South Korea, commencing in March 2026. The decision follows an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the merger between Asiana Airlines and Korean Air, which are the only two airlines currently operating flights between London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon. Virgin Atlantic's new route aims to attract leisure travelers, focusing on the growing interest in South Korean culture known as the "Korean Wave."

Virgin Atlantic's chief executive Shai Weiss and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson attended the launch ceremony for the airline's inaugural flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the airline's first venture into the Saudi Arabian market. The flights began on March 30, signaling a move to capitalize on opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

According to Virgin Atlantic, "Whilst the route will attract important corporate travel as well as visiting friends and relatives (VFR), the new service is expected to attract a predominantly leisure customer driven by the foody culture, amazing shopping and also the 'Korean Wave'."

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The CMA had extended the deadline for Virgin Atlantic to start the Seoul service, allowing the airline to begin operations during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season on March 29, 2026. This move is part of an effort to ensure that the route remains competitive after Korean Air offered to facilitate Virgin Atlantic’s entry by making slots available for the UK-based carrier.

Virgin Atlantic's new connection to Seoul will be supported by partnerships with other SkyTeam alliance members, such as Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and China Eastern. This will enable passengers to connect to 15 cities on Korean Air's network through codeshare agreements, smoothing travel to destinations like Tokyo and Sydney.

In related developments, Virgin Atlantic marked its first flight to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with flights expected to enhance connections to North American destinations. The announcement came on the same day as the new South Korean service, underlining the airline's strategic expansion into key global markets. Cirium's Diio Mi data shows 42 weekly departures on the route operated by Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and SkyTeam partner Saudia in April alone.

Virgin Atlantic believes its new initiative to Seoul will ensure continued competition in the market, with added convenience for leisure and corporate travelers alike.

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