More flights between London and South Africa coming in 2026
· The South African
Virgin Atlantic will be expanding its South African flight schedule for the 2026/27 peak travel season as demand for international travel continues to grow.
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The airline confirmed that it will add more flights between London Heathrow and two of South Africa’s major cities this year.
More flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg
During the expanded schedule period from October 2026 to April 2027, Virgin Atlantic will operate up to 11 weekly flights between Heathrow and Cape Town, alongside 10 weekly services to Johannesburg.
The airline says the additional flights are aimed at giving travellers more flexibility during one of South Africa’s busiest tourism periods.
The updated timetable will also introduce earlier morning arrivals into South Africa and later evening departures back to London, changes designed to improve convenience for both leisure and business travellers.
Demand for long-haul travel rising
Virgin Atlantic says it has seen strong demand from South African travellers, particularly in the premium travel segment.
Marc Harding, the airline’s country manager for South Africa, said convenience, comfort and international connectivity remain key priorities for passengers travelling between South Africa and the UK.
He added that South Africa continues to play an important role in Virgin Atlantic’s global network.
Virgin Atlantic has operated flights to South Africa for almost three decades.
Cape Town and Johannesburg remain among the airline’s most important long-haul destinations, reflecting continued demand for travel between South Africa and the United Kingdom.