Virgin Atlantic starts seasonal direct flights from London to Phuket

Virgin Atlantic has launched its first route to Thailand, beginning seasonal direct flights between London Heathrow and Phuket on October 18, 2026.

The service operates three times a week, with flights leaving London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights depart Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route is scheduled to run until March 26, 2027, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The inaugural service used flight number VS214 and arrived in Phuket the following morning. Return flights operate as VS215. The published schedule shows departures from London at 3.45pm, arriving in Phuket at 9.55am the next day, while flights from Phuket leave at 11.45am and arrive at Heathrow at 7.25pm.

The flight time is approximately 12 hours and 10 minutes from London to Phuket and 13 hours and 40 minutes in the return direction.

Virgin Atlantic is operating the route with a Boeing 787-9 configured with 258 seats: 31 in Upper Class, 35 in Premium and 192 in Economy. The airline provides meals, drinks and entertainment, with Wi-Fi also available.

The current cabin layout could change under the airline's planned 787-9 refurbishment. Boeing has announced a redesigned configuration with 44 Upper Class seats, 56 Premium seats and 127 Economy seats.