Virgin Atlantic has announced huge increases to its winter holiday schedule, giving more amazing winter sun options to British tourists.
The airline will boost Dubai services by half and add 15 per cent more seats on Cape Town routes. The carrier is also bringing back flights to Cancun following a six-year absence from the Mexican resort destination.
This is great news for those looking to extend the holiday season with some winter sun. Indeed, booking data reveals a 72 per cent rise in Dubai reservations and 38 per cent growth for Cape Town journeys when measured against 2024 figures.
The expanded programme is Virgin Atlantic's response to an increase in consumer appetite for premium winter sun destinations. The Dubai route will feature Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A350 aircraft, the most spacious in their fleet.
More flights will go to Dubai
| GETTYThis upgrade delivers more comfort across Upper Class, Premium and Economy sections, including the carrier's distinctive social area known as The Booth.
The Middle Eastern hub is loved by tourists for its luxury hotels, towering architecture and desert experiences alongside extensive retail offerings.
It is a great destination for a range of holiday preferences, from romantic breaks to family adventures and solo trips.
The Mexican Caribbean destination of Cancun will receive Virgin Atlantic's only direct service from London Heathrow, operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
South African operations will run through a longer season, running from October to April. The near 15 per cent capacity boost to Cape Town comes amid rising interest in the destination's wildlife experiences, wine regions and natural landmarks.
Both routes reflect broader patterns in premium leisure travel, with customers looking for international experiences that range from beach holidays to cultural exploration and adventure tourism.
Chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, Juha Jarvinen, stated: “As more of our customers seek out winter sun and unforgettable experiences, we’re focused on giving them more of what they love.
"Our expanded flying to Dubai and Cape Town, alongside our return to Cancun, reflects strong demand for premium leisure travel, as we whisk our customers to their next adventure. Whether it’s glamour in the Gulf, culture and coastlines in South Africa or the vibrant energy of Mexico, Virgin Atlantic is here to make every journey feel special, from take-off to touchdown.”
NEW ROUTES
Cape Town is a popular winter sun destination
|GETTY
Flights to Cancun will return
| GettyHoliday packages start from £1,167 per person for four nights in Cape Town with breakfast included. Dubai breaks begin at £1,545 per person for four nights at Atlantis, The Palm.
Family holidays to Cancun cost from £3,964 total for seven nights all-inclusive accommodation for two adults and two children.
Britons looking to discover more new routes at the tail end of this year can take advantage of more flights going to Germany ahead of Oktoberfest.
The UK will get 14 new Oktoberfest flights this year, with the first flights arriving at the end of September, just before the celebrations begin.
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