Virgin Atlantic announced earlier today (October 14) that it was expanding its portfolio of flights to South Africa, following the country’s removal from the red list. 

From November 8, flights between Johannesburg and London Heathrow will increase from three times a week to a daily service.

The relaunch of the airline’s Heathrow to Cape Town service is also being brought forward, following a huge surge in customer demand.  From December 17, Virgin Atlantic will fly three times weekly to the Mother City.

Liezl Gericke, Virgin Atlantic Head of Africa, Middle East and India commented: “We know there’s pent-up customer demand for travel since our removal from the red list. I am thrilled that we will be increasing capacity from Johannesburg as well as the reintroduction of the Cape Town route; it will make it even easier for our customers to travel for business and leisure between South Africa and the United Kingdom.”

Virgin Atlantic’s South African services will both operate using the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats. Flights are available to book now to Johannesburg, and Cape Town services go on sale from October 16.

The airline offers unlimited free date and flight changes for new bookings as part of a series of enhancements to give further flexibility to customers and support their future travel plans.  Alongside the improved changes policy, the rebooking horizon has been extended for all customers all the way until April 30, 2023, giving a broader window of time to reschedule plans if needed.