Virgin Atlantic launches UK airline’s only flight from London to ‘futuristic’ capital city

Virgin Atlantic has launched long-awaited flights to South Korea’s most bustling city, Seoul. 

From March 29 next year, the airline will operate daily flights to the South Korean capital, marking its expansion to one of Asia’s most popular cities. 

The airline will be the only British carrier to offer direct flights to South Korea after British Airways stopped flights to the country in early 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

Passengers will fly between London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon International Airport via the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of the airline’s flagship aircrafts. The journey will take between 12 and 13 hours.

Tickets will be available to buy from May 14 next month, but prices have not yet been confirmed. 

The flight is part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader plan to increase its presence in Asia, a region that has seen rapid growth in tourism over the past few years. 

The eastward expansion will connect passengers to other popular Asian countries, including Japan, Vietnam and China. 

The airline said: ‘South Korea is a country of contrasts, where ancient palaces brush shoulders with futuristic skyline giants, and peaceful mountain trails back onto city streets alive with energy. And right now, Seoul is in full swing.

‘A creative capital at the cutting edge of K-pop, K-drama, art and fashion, the city is setting global trends while staying rooted in tradition.’

Virgin Atlantic initially announced plans to fly to Seoul in March 2023 and later confirmed a codeshare pact with Korean Air. 

South Korea has soured in popularity recently. Last year, more than 16 million international tourists visited the country, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. 

As the country’s capital, Seoul is an obvious draw for tourists. The city saw over 13 million visitors and was recently named one of the top trending destinations for 2025 by TripAdvisor.

There’s plenty to do, too. From ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgun Palace and hiking up Namsan Mountain to tasting street food at Gwangjang Market or dining at a robot cafe, you’re unlikely to be bored. 

British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter either. The usual K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) has been temporarily ditched until the end of 2025. 

Currently, the only other direct flight option between the UK and South Korea is with Korean Air. Tickets are available to buy online from £852. 

Juha Jarvinen, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said: ‘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.’

Virgin has also recently launched new flights to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, as well as five flights a day to India in celebration of 25 years of flying there. 

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