Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to restart flights to Cape Town this winter.
The carrier will offer a daily seasonal service between Heathrow and the South African city from November 5, using a three-class B787-9 aircraft.
The route will operate until March 24, 2023, complementing Virgin’s year-round daily service to Johannesburg.
The schedules will be as follows:
- VS478 departs Heathrow at 1620, arriving into Cape Town at 0600 the following day
- VS479 departs Cape Town at 0750, arriving into Heathrow at 1745
Fares start from £711 return in economy, £1,318 in Premium, and £3,454 in Upper Class.
British Airways also flies between Heathrow and Cape Town International airport.
The news follows last week’s announcement by United Airlines of planned nonstop flights between Washington DC and Cape Town.
United plans first ever nonstop Washington-Cape Town service
Commenting on the news Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to return to the fabulous city of Cape Town with daily services from November.
“Although a little later than we we’d have liked due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the move reflects the fact that travel is recovering and global demand for holidays to sunny, premium destinations is returning at pace.
“We’re expecting a high proportion of leisure travellers on this route who will rightly be taking advantage of the winter sun, exploring the world-renowned wine regions and soaking up the rich culture this incredible country has to offer.”