BANGKOK, 23 July 2026: Virgin Atlantic launches non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Phuket on 18 October 2026, soaring seasonally to Phuket three times a week, flying a Boeing 787-9.
It marks the introduction of the only direct route between London Heathrow and Phuket. In addition, Norse Atlantic confirmed direct thrice-weekly flights are scheduled from its London Gatwick hub to the Southern Thailand holiday island, starting 4 December 2026 through to 31 March 2026. Round-trip fares start at UKP326.
The Slate Phuket’s Consultant Events, David Barrett, shared observations on the travel market between the UK and Phuket on his Facebook page this week: “The most significant development comes from a substantial strengthening of direct air connectivity between Britain and Thailand.”
Based on the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Strategic Directions for the UK market, he noted: “Norse Atlantic Airways expands its Thailand operations with direct services from both London Gatwick and Manchester to Phuket while Virgin Atlantic will launch the first ever non-stop Heathrow to Phuket service this October.
“The timing could hardly be better. Phuket continues to evolve beyond a traditional beach destination into a gateway for Southern Thailand, offering convenient access to Phang Nga, Krabi, Khao Lak and the growing collection of premium resorts across Thailand’s Andaman coast.”
In its press statement announcing the seasonal route, Virgin Atlantic said it was “delighted to be launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for Winter 2026.”
The three-times-a-week service will operate seasonally from 18 October 2026, capturing the growing demand for winter escapes. As the only direct route from London Heathrow to Phuket, UK residents can book package holidays with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, with prices starting from UKP999 per person.
Beyond its beaches, Phuket boasts a rich culinary scene and cultural attractions ranging from the majestic Golden Buddha at Wat Khao Rang to the twisting streets of old Phuket town, offering a mix of sun, culture and adventure. Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 20 accommodation options in Phuket and over 80 throughout Thailand, including the destinations of Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi / Koh Yao Yai, Hua Hin, Samui, Pattaya and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
A partnership with Bangkok Airways, as well as land and sea transfers, allows connectivity for those travellers looking to explore beyond Phuket, with numerous flight options to Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi and beyond.
Virgin Atlantic flies the route three times weekly (Wed, Fri, Sun from London Heathrow and Thurs, Sat and Mon from Phuket) using a Boeing Dreamliner-9 configured with 31 upper class seats, 35 premium, 192 economy.
Flight schedule
VS214 departs London (LNR) at 1200 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 0710 plus a day.
VS215 departs Phuket (HKT) at 0920 and arrives in London (LNR) at 1600.
(Source: Virgin Atlantic and Norse)
