Virgin Atlantic returns to Canada
April 7, 2025
Virgin Atlantic has resumed operations in Canada for the first time in over a decade, launching a new daily direct route between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
To mark the occasion, Sir Richard Branson personally touched down in Toronto, celebrating the airline’s return with the launch of its first Canadian route since 2014.
The new service will operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and is expected to carry more than 165,000 passengers annually. The route will also offer up to 20 tonnes of cargo capacity.
The new connection between the UK and Toronto, Canada’s financial and cultural hub, further strengthens Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic footprint.
It also complements the airline’s recent expansion in India, offering one-stop connections from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru via Heathrow, with an average transit time of just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Customers will also be able to connect to destinations such as Johannesburg, Lagos, Tel Aviv, and Beirut through existing codeshare and interline partnerships.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic and Founder of Virgin Group, said: “Canada, we’ve missed you! It’s been more than 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.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back in Canada. We’ve long wanted to return – and this time, we’re here to stay.
“Toronto is not only a thriving financial hub, but also a gateway to one of the most vibrant and diverse countries in the world. With our strong transatlantic focus, expanded connectivity to India, and exciting new partnership with WestJet, the timing couldn’t be better.”
John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer of WestJet, added: “We are proud to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to Canada!
“Through our expanded partnership, together we are able to deliver unmatched value and convenience to our guests. With our co-location at Toronto-Pearson Terminal 3 our guests can enjoy a smooth journey on one ticket with through baggage check-in across both of our networks, connecting all of Canada with Virgin Atlantic’s global network to London and beyond.”
