Virgin Atlantic Supercharges London Heathrow-Bengaluru Flights: 11 Weekly Flights in 2026 to Meet Explosive Demand and Enhance Global Connectivity

Published on December 30, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a move set to shake up international travel, Virgin Atlantic is ramping up its operations between London Heathrow and Bengaluru (Bangalore) with a massive increase from 7 to 11 flights per week during January, February, and March 2026. This surge in flights underscores the growing importance of the route, catering to increasing customer demand while further solidifying the airline’s strategic position in the booming India-UK market. This enhanced service doesn’t just connect two major global hubs – it also bolsters Virgin Atlantic’s already strong ties with North America, offering seamless connectivity across the Atlantic to top cities like New York, San Francisco, and Toronto.

A Stronger Link Between India and the UK: Virgin Atlantic’s Growing Role

As India continues to rise as a global economic powerhouse, Virgin Atlantic has made it clear that it is committed to capitalizing on this growth. Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, is a thriving tech hub and one of the largest corporate markets in India, making it a vital link for international travel. Virgin Atlantic’s flight enhancement reflects a booming demand for business and leisure travel, as well as robust customer demand for cargo operations. By expanding services, Virgin Atlantic is further solidifying its presence in India, which now represents the airline’s largest area of growth outside of the United States. With this commitment, the airline can connect travelers not only to India’s bustling tech cities but also to major destinations across North America.

Bengaluru’s Role in Virgin Atlantic’s Expanding Network

Bengaluru, a critical part of Virgin Atlantic’s strategic expansion, is now receiving 11 flights per week from London Heathrow. The city is home to several multinational corporations and rapidly growing tech startups, making it an essential link between the UK and India’s corporate world. This enhanced connectivity complements the airline’s existing daily services to Delhi and Mumbai, and offers connections to a wide range of Indian cities such as Goa, Amritsar, and Jaipur through Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with IndiGo. As the largest Indian market outside the United States, India now holds a prominent place in Virgin Atlantic’s portfolio, and Bengaluru’s growth as a tech and business hub makes this enhanced service even more essential.

Seamless Connectivity Between India, the UK, and North America

One of the standout features of the expanded service between London Heathrow and Bengaluru is its ability to connect passengers smoothly to major cities across North America, including Toronto, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York JFK. Thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, passengers can now enjoy seamless onward connections to these bustling North American cities. The growing frequency of flights not only enhances travel opportunities for those flying into and out of Bengaluru but also makes London a key hub for passengers seeking to travel between India and North America. This seamless connectivity opens up fresh opportunities for business, tourism, and trade between the regions.

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: A Premium Travel Experience

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will operate the London Heathrow-Bengaluru service, offering a luxurious and comfortable flying experience. With a seating configuration that includes 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy seats, the 787-9 ensures passengers experience the airline’s signature service throughout their journey. The aircraft also features an exclusive Upper Class social space, where premium passengers can unwind and relax. This modern, fuel-efficient aircraft will enhance the overall travel experience while ensuring sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of Virgin Atlantic’s flights. The airline’s investment in the 787-9 Dreamliner underscores its commitment to providing high-quality service while meeting the increasing demand on the Bengaluru route.

Meeting Explosive Demand: Virgin Atlantic’s Remarkable Growth in India

Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has significantly increased its capacity to India, growing by a staggering 250%. This leap has resulted in the airline now offering over 500,000 seats annually between the UK and India. The demand for travel to India has never been higher, driven by business travelers, tourists, and the ever-growing expat community. Virgin Atlantic’s expansion reflects the airline’s deep commitment to this rapidly growing market. The airline’s decision to increase its Bengaluru flights is not just about meeting current demand but positioning itself as a leader in the Indo-UK travel market as it gears up for a busy 2026.

Juha Jaervinen’s Vision for the Future: Building Stronger Connections

In his statement, Juha Jaervinen, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic, shared the excitement surrounding the expansion of the Bengaluru route. He emphasized that the strengthened service is a direct result of strong customer demand and Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to India. “As one of India’s most dynamic technology and business hubs, it’s fantastic to be able to offer more choice for travellers between Bengaluru and the UK,” Jaervinen said. He also highlighted the importance of Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing partnerships with Delta Air Lines and WestJet, which will further enhance connectivity to North America. Jaervinen’s vision for the airline is clear: Virgin Atlantic is committed to making international travel more accessible and convenient, especially for those travelling between India, the UK, and North America.

The Route Schedule: Convenient Times for All Travelers

Starting on 5th January 2026, Virgin Atlantic will operate the new schedule on the London Heathrow-Bengaluru route:

• LHR-BLR (VS346): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  Departure: 14:00 (GMT) | Arrival: 05:15 (+1 day, IST)
• BLR-LHR (VS347): Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
  Departure: 07:05 (IST) | Arrival: 12:50 (GMT)
• BLR-LHR (VS347): Sunday
  Departure: 07:20 (IST) | Arrival: 13:05 (GMT)

The new service provides ample options for business travelers and holidaymakers alike, ensuring that both the early risers and the latecomers have the flexibility to travel at convenient times. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Virgin Atlantic’s new flights provide more access to Bengaluru while maintaining the airline’s signature service standards.

Conclusion: Virgin Atlantic’s Bold Move for 2026 and Beyond

Virgin Atlantic’s decision to increase flights to Bengaluru is a strategic move designed to meet the explosive demand for air travel between the UK and India. As India’s economy continues to grow, especially in tech hubs like Bengaluru, this enhanced service will allow Virgin Atlantic to provide an elevated travel experience while facilitating better connectivity to North America. The airline’s use of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ensures that passengers enjoy both comfort and efficiency, while the airline’s strong partnerships with Delta Air Lines and WestJet further reinforce the seamless travel experience. As we look towards 2026, Virgin Atlantic is clearly committed to maintaining its position as a leading global airline, providing essential links between two of the world’s most important markets.