Virgin Atlantic will begin seasonal non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Phuket on 18 October 2026, creating what the airline says will be the only direct air link between London and Thailand's largest island.

The 14-hour service will operate three times a week throughout the winter season, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft with more than 250 seats. Most direct flights from London to Thailand currently arrive in Bangkok rather than Phuket.

Flights from Heathrow will leave every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Return services from Phuket will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays.

A direct option for Phuket visitors

The new route is aimed at British holidaymakers seeking winter sun. Virgin Atlantic already flies to destinations including the Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and Caribbean resorts.

For foreigners living in Phuket and elsewhere in southern Thailand, the service could offer a more straightforward option for family and friends visiting from the UK, without the need to transfer through Bangkok or another regional hub. It will also give UK-based travellers a direct arrival point for holidays in Phuket, rather than beginning their trip with an onward domestic flight.

Phuket is a major resort destination known for its beaches, scenery and culture. Its airport is also close to Mai Khao Beach, where visitors often watch aircraft pass overhead as they approach the runway.

Winter schedule begins in October

Phuket's winter season runs from November to February, its drier period after the summer rains and monsoon. Daytime temperatures can still exceed 30C, while evening temperatures rarely fall below 20C.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic's chief commercial officer, said when the route was announced: "We're thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations.

"As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand's unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. We can't wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey."

Virgin Atlantic has also partnered with Bangkok Airways, allowing travellers using the Phuket route to make connections over land and sea to other Thai destinations, including Bangkok, Koh Samui and Krabi.

Travellers heading for the Andaman coast before 18 October can still book through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, but will fly with Emirates via Dubai.

Seats on the inaugural flight are currently listed at about GBP1,300 one way in economy, rising to GBP4,097 for Upper Class.

Picture courtesy of The Mirror

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30 August 2026

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It will be interesting to see if other international carriers follow suit.

Many using that route will use Phuket as a domestic stopover for other destinations in Thailand.

Makes sense if you wish to visit CM without going to Bangkok.

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Seats on the inaugural flight are currently listed at about GBP1,300 one way in economy,

At 116.000 baht return in cattle class, I wonder if they will have any takers.

For about 80.000 baht you have a return business class ticket with the ME airliners

Didn't British Airways once have direct flights to Phuket?

18 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

At 116.000 baht return in cattle class, I wonder if they will have any takers.

For about 80.000 baht you have a return business class ticket with the ME airliners

That's a real rip. Also, landing fees and gate fees at Phuket are likely cheaper that Swampy.

They're going to have to change the name of the airline, under truth in advertising. Because there won't be any Virgins and they won't be flying over the Atlantic.

16 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Many using that route will use Phuket as a domestic stopover for other destinations in Thailand.

Do you think so? It isn't like Phuket currently has surplus capacity!

Richard Branson's Necker Island is about 32 to 38 miles (roughly 50 to 60 kilometers) away from Jeffrey Epstein’s former island, Little St. James.

COINCIDENCE!

Sir Richard Friends of Israel Courtesy Flights ?

"Virgin Airlines: We fly in Virgins for your next party in Phuket, too"

CHEERIO 🥳

Edited 11 hours ago11 hr by SiSePuede419
COINCIDENCE!

16 hours ago, CallumWK said:

At 116.000 baht return in cattle class, I wonder if they will have any takers.

For about 80.000 baht you have a return business class ticket with the ME airliners

At GBP4k - 180,000 baht for the aging cattle stall business class which is on the 787-900 - good luck with that!

5 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Do you think so? It isn't like Phuket currently has surplus capacity!

I don't think everyone on these flights will be staying in Phuket. For sure some may head to other destinations. Some may do a couple of nights in Phuket and then move on.

I haven't checked the connecting flight times, but those heading north to Chiang Mai for example may find this flight convenient.

As another member mentioned, the price point will have to be right.

1 minute ago, KhunHeineken said:

I haven't checked the connecting flight times, but those heading north to Chiang Mai for example may find this flight convenient.

Only if they plan to stay in Phuket for a while then next stop CM. Otherwise, BKK would be more obvious for a seemless connection (less travel time).

21 hours ago, CallumWK said:

At 116.000 baht return in cattle class, I wonder if they will have any takers.

For about 80.000 baht you have a return business class ticket with the ME airliners

Think you need to pick a better site to buy ...

Other economy options for that day ...

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by KhunLA

35 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Only if they plan to stay in Phuket for a while then next stop CM. Otherwise, BKK would be more obvious for a seemless connection (less travel time).

I agree, but without a direct flight, many stop over in one of the gulf states. It may be preferable to stop over in Phuket.

Also, some may even be going to neighboring countries, so not even stay in Phuket / Thailand. Phuket is well connected regionally.

46 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Think you need to pick a better site to buy ...

Think if you weren't so eager to be the know it all, and always want to have the last word, you should have known that I was referring to the prices quote in the OP.

33 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Think if you weren't so eager to be the know it all, and always want to have the last word, you should have known that I was referring to the prices quote in the OP.

Not being a Brit, didn't make it pass the first paragraph of the OP. 116k seemed really steep, so curious (khow it all ?) What's with the last word comment, as surely there will be more ... maybe even yours, as par for the course 😄

Airfares certainly have skyrocket, or is that just VA. Then again, Phuket at high season, no thanks, and 20 hrs (3+14+3) not counting to/from airlports, to get there, no thanks again. Would think 2600 GBP & 40+ hrs better spent in EU.

Not like I would swim in Phuket waters in high or any season ... bring your ear drops.

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by KhunLA