Virgin Atlantic returning to Canada after decade-long pause

Virgin Atlantic is adding Canada to its network after a decade of not flying to the country.

The airline says it will launch a new non-stop flight between London Heathrow and Toronto in Summer 2025. The news was announced at a press conference on Monday (June 10) to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary.

The daily service will launch on March 30 with return fares starting from £490 per person (about $860 CAD). Officials said the timing is designed to provide “optimal connectivity” for passengers connecting from inbound flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Flights will operate a mix of aircraft, including the A330-900neo, the latest addition to Virgin Atlantic’s fleet.

The carrier hasn’t served Canada for more than ten years. It last flew to Vancouver (YVR) through 2014. The Toronto service is somewhat of a route resumption. Virgin Atlantic last operated this flight in 2001, but it was scrapped shortly after 9/11.

The service will also be benefited by an expanded codeshare agreement with WestJet, which is set to start in October.

In a press release Monday, WestJet said reciprocal frequent flyer benefits will follow at some point in 2025.

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