Oh, Canada! Virgin Atlantic is back

Virgin Atlantic has touched down in Toronto, launching direct flights from London Heathrow and the Canadian city’s Pearson International Airport. Virgin last flew to Canada over a decade ago, having served Toronto in 2001 and Vancouver between 2012 and 2014.

The daily service will operate on a Boeing 787-9, with the new route offering seamless onward connections for the Indian diaspora and business community in Canada to key cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.

There is also a network of domestic routes via an expanded codeshare with WestJet. The two airlines will be conveniently co-located at Toronto’s Terminal 3, allowing customers to connect to 13 destinations across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Ottawa. 

Loyalty programme benefits across Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and WestJet Rewards are expected to launch later this year.

This launch has also strengthened Virgin’s joint venture with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, which operate over 100 flights per week between Europe and seven Canadian gateways.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic and Founder of Virgin Group, said:

“Canada, we’ve missed you! It’s been over a decade, but we’re back and here to do it properly. I’m delighted to see Virgin Atlantic’s return to Toronto, a city with so much spirit and energy. With our incredible crew, exceptional service, and a strong network of partners, we can’t wait to welcome customers onboard.”