Virgin Atlantic launches new route to Phuket

Virgin Atlantic has launched a new seasonal non-stop service between London Heathrow and Phuket International Airport, with flight VS214 arriving in Phuket to mark the start of the route.

The airline will operate the service three times a week during the 2026–2027 UK winter season, providing direct connectivity between Phuket and London. A welcome ceremony was held at Phuket International Airport to mark the inaugural flight, with representatives from Virgin Atlantic, the airport and the Tourism Authority of Thailand greeting arriving passengers and presenting commemorative souvenirs.

The inaugural flight departed London Heathrow on 18 October and arrived in Phuket on 19 October. The seasonal service will operate until 26 March 2027, with flights departing London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 15.45 hrs and arriving in Phuket at 09.55 hrs the following day.

Return flights will depart Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.45 hrs, arriving at London Heathrow at 19.25 hrs.

The new route adds to existing non-stop services between the UK and Thailand. Thai Airways International and EVA Air jointly operate 21 weekly flights between London Heathrow and Bangkok, while British Airways, TUI and Norse Atlantic Airways offer seasonal services to Bangkok and Phuket from London Gatwick and Manchester.

The UK is one of Thailand’s top five tourism revenue-generating markets. In 2025, arrivals from the UK exceeded one million for the first time, generating 74,515 million baht in revenue, a 21.7% increase year on year. Between 1 January and 3 September 2026, Thailand welcomed 682,684 visitors from the UK, with demand improving ahead of the winter season.

UK travellers stay in Thailand for an average of 14.18 days and spend 61,615 baht per person per trip. First-time visitors account for 56.99% of arrivals, while repeat visitors make up 43.01%. Popular destinations include Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, reflecting demand for coastal holidays, cultural experiences, gastronomy, wellness and nature-based tourism.