Virgin Atlantic Announces First-Ever Direct Flights to Seoul, South Korea

 In a significant expansion of its global network, Virgin Atlantic has unveiled plans to launch its first-ever direct flights to Seoul, South Korea. Starting March 28, 2026, the airline will operate daily services between London Heathrow and Seoul, marking a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for travel to East Asia. 

The new route is expected to cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering convenient connections to neighboring countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and China. Flights will depart London at 9:45 AM, arriving in Seoul at 6:05 AM the following day. Return flights will leave Seoul at 8:35 AM and land in London at 3:05 PM on the same day. Tickets for this route will be available for purchase starting May 14, 2025. 

This expansion aligns with Virgin Atlantic's broader strategy to increase its presence in Asia. The airline has recently announced new flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and has increased services to India, celebrating 25 years of operations in the region. 

South Korea has emerged as a popular destination in recent years, attracting over 16 million international tourists last year, nearing pre-pandemic levels. The country's rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and global influence through K-pop and K-beauty have contributed to its appeal. Seoul, in particular, has been recognized as a top travel destination for 2025 and the best spot for solo travelers by Tripadvisor. 

Travelers to Seoul can explore historical landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, trendy neighborhoods such as Seongsu-dong, and scenic areas including Busan. UK tourists currently do not require a visa to enter South Korea, further simplifying travel plans. 

Virgin Atlantic's Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, stating, "Virgin Atlantic has long been known as the carrier of choice across the Atlantic, and transatlantic travel remains core to our business. We are incredibly excited to expand our network in the east with the announcement of new services to Seoul starting in March 2026." 

The introduction of direct flights to Seoul is anticipated to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UK and South Korea, providing travelers with more options and fostering increased tourism and business exchanges.