Virgin Atlantic will launch a new daily, direct route between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and London Heathrow (LHR), beginning March 30, 2025. The carrier’s return to Canada after more than a decade will be accompanied by a strengthened partnership with WestJet.
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson announced Toronto as the newest city to join the airline’s network during a press conference at Virgin Atlantic’s 40th anniversary celebration in Las Vegas.
VS will operate a mix of aircraft on the route, including the A330-900neo, the latest addition to its fleet, and the A330-300. The carrier says its overall inflight product features “iconic onboard social space, wireless charging, and stylish design touches.”
Richard Branson announced the new route at Virgin Atlantic's 40th birthday bash. (Photo Credit: Virgin Hotels)
The airline says the route will complement the existing services between Canada and Europe with its joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM. To bolster connectivity on existing networks between Canada, the UK and Europe, Virgin Atlantic is also expanding its partnership with WestJet, beginning in October.
The expanded codeshare deal with WestJet will allow Canadian customers to travel seamlessly throughout the region including flights from Ottawa (YOW) and Winnipeg (YWG). The airlines are expected to add earn and redemption benefits for frequent flyers in 2025.
Virgin Atlantic says the Toronto market will provide optimal connectivity for Canadians travelling to India, including double daily flights to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL), with average connectivity via London Heathrow at 1 hour 20 minutes.
VS will also provide onward connections via its services to Bengaluru (BLR), Lagos (LOS), Johannesburg (JNB), and Tel Aviv (TLV), while codeshare partnerships with EL AL and Middle East Airlines (MEA) will present expanded options for customers travelling to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Beirut (BEY).
“Demand for travel between Toronto and London is strong,” says Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Commercial Officer and interim Chief Operating Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
“In 2023, more than a million passengers flew between the two international cities, making the route our largest long-haul international market. We are excited to welcome Virgin Atlantic to Toronto Pearson. This is a big win not only in terms of capacity, but also choice. Virgin Atlantic’s brand experience and onboard product will be an excellent option for our guests flying from, to and beyond London.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: “We are incredibly excited to be back in Canada and to launch this new service between Toronto and London. With an impressive film, sports, food, and entertainment scene, we know Canadians will enjoy travelling with us to London, a city that also celebrates arts and culture and encourages exploration.”
A woman forms the shape of a heart with her hands around a Virgin Atlantic pin. (photo via Virgin Atlantic) (Photo Credit: (photo via Virgin Atlantic))
Route Facts
Aircraft type
· A330-900neo with 32 Upper Class, 46 Premium and 184 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
· A330-300 with 31 Upper Class, 48 Premium and 185 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Route frequency
Daily as of March 30, 2025
YYZ – LHR – VS148 – 22:20 -10:30 (next day arrival) LHR – YYZ – VS147 – 17:10 – 20:30
Flights on sale from June 19, 2024. Roundtrip Economy fares start from CAD $1,101 per person, Premium from CAD $2,516 per person and Upper Class from CAD $3,739 per person.
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