International travel: Virgin Atlantic returns to South Africa

Since it first started operating flights to South Africa in the 1990s, Virgin Atlantic has become a firm favourite for South Africans travelling to the United Kingdom. The airline is known for its excellent in-flight entertainment options and onboard meals, as well as high service levels.

The hard lockdown in saw South Africa closing its borders and banning international travel. All foreign airlines had to cancel their scheduled flights to South Africa. Virgin Atlantic has been forced to halt its direct flights on the Johannesburg to London route for over half a year.

RESUMPTION OF DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND LONDON

Virgin Atlantic will operate four flights per week between Johannesburg and London, from 19 October. It will increase frequencies, offering daily flights by the end of the year.

The airline will fly from Johannesburg to London on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight departs OR Tambo International airport at 20h35 in the evening, and will arrive in London at 06h35 the following morning.

VIRGIN WILL OFFER DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN CAPE TOWN AND LONDON

Cape Town is a preferred winter-sun destination for British tourists seeking sunshine during the peak of the British winter. Virgin Atlantic will be launching direct flights between Cape Town and London in December. 

The new Cape Town service starts from 10 December and will initially be operated on a limited schedule. Further details regarding frequencies will be released by the airline.

REVISED ONBOARD MEAL SERVICE

The airline has implemented a simplified hot food service on all its flights, in order to limit interaction between crew and passengers. All meals are prepared in a COVID-safe environment. 

Economy and premium economy customers will be served a “Fly safe, eat well” meal box, which incorporates a choice of two hot meals, cheese and biscuits and a dessert pot. Meals are served with a choice of wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water. 

Upper Class customers will have a choice of three hot meals, desserts, cheese and biscuits and a ciabatta roll. The meals will be delivered to the passenger’s seat on a tray. 

All customers will receive a second meal service which, on day flights from the UK, includes the airline’s delicious Mile High Tea.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ONBOARD VIRGIN FLIGHTS

The well-being of customers and crew is the airline’s number-one priority. All Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft are thoroughly sanitised. Virgin Atlantic has implemented health and safety measures including social distancing at the airport and onboard.

Passengers are provided with individual health packs which contain high-quality face masks, hand sanitiser and surface wipes for use during the flight. Passengers will also enjoy additional space on Virgin flights. Some seats on the aircraft have been blocked off. This allows for more space between passengers. 

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT IN THE UK

Passengers are reminded that South Africa is placed on the UK’s list of high-risk countries. Therefore, South Africans visiting the United Kingdom are required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival.

CONVENIENT CONNECTIONS TO OTHER DESTINATIONS

The arrival times of Virgin’s flights from South Africa will allow passengers to connect smoothly with flights to other destinations in Virgin Atlantic’s route network.

While there are currently no direct flights between South Africa and the United States, Virgin’s flights via London Heathrow provide a seamless connection for South Africans needing to get to New York.