Virgin Atlantic is increasing its Johannesburg-London service as the airline marks 30 years of flying to South Africa.
Image: Supplied
From 25 October 2026, the airline will introduce its Airbus A350-1000 on its daily Johannesburg route to London Heathrow, giving passengers access to its latest-generation aircraft on the route.
The daily flights will operate as:
- VS449: London Heathrow to Johannesburg
- VS450: Johannesburg to London Heathrow
More flights from December
Virgin Atlantic will also add three additional weekly flights between Johannesburg and London from December, increasing capacity ahead of the busy summer and festive travel period.
The additional services will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The new schedule will see:
- VS461: London Heathrow to Johannesburg from 13 December, operating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
- VS462: Johannesburg to London Heathrow from 14 December, operating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The expanded schedule gives travellers more options when planning trips between South Africa and the UK, as well as connections beyond London Heathrow.
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Celebrating 30 years in South Africa
The schedule expansion coincides with Virgin Atlantic’s 30-year milestone in South Africa. The Johannesburg-London route has connected South African travellers with the UK and Virgin Atlantic’s wider network for three decades.
The airline is also a member of the SkyTeam alliance, giving passengers access to connections and frequent-flyer benefits across the alliance’s network.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Virgin Atlantic said it will offer up to three complimentary cabin upgrades on selected anniversary-period VS450 flights, subject to terms and conditions.
What passengers can expect on the A350-1000
The A350-1000 will operate the daily Johannesburg service, with Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins available.
Passengers departing Johannesburg can also use the airline’s Clubhouse lounge, which offers dining, drinks, showers and luggage storage before departure.
The additional flights and new aircraft are part of Virgin Atlantic’s continued investment in its South African operation as it looks ahead to the next chapter of its Johannesburg service.
Source: Virgin Atlantic
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