Virgin Atlantic is expanding its portfolio of flights to South Africa, following the country’s removal from the UK Red List. Last week, the airline reports that bookings to the region soared by 150% in 24 hours as a result of the Government’s updated travel advice.
From 8 November, flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg will increase from three times a week to a daily service.
The relaunch of the airline’s Heathrow to Cape Town service is also being brought forward, following a surge in customer demand. From 17 December, Virgin Atlantic will fly three times weekly to the destination famed for its breath-taking scenery and its world-famous wine region.
“We know there’s pent up customer demand for travel to South Africa, which is reflected in our recent bookings surge, so I’m thrilled we can offer our customers more services to both Johannesburg and Cape Town,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. “We’re expecting a high proportion of leisure travellers on these routes, taking advantage of the winter sun, the safaris and of course, the world-famous wine region. We can’t wait to fly our customers safely to their South African adventures once more.”
Virgin Atlantic’s South African services will operate using the Boeing 787-9, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.