Virgin returns to Israel and announces three new codeshares

Virgin Atlantic is set to return flying to Tel Aviv as the airline announces three new codeshares.

The carrier will resume flights to the Israeli city on 5 September with…

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Business & General Aviation El Al SAS Scandinavian Airlines Saudia Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is set to return flying to Tel Aviv as the airline announces three new codeshares.

The carrier will resume flights to the Israeli city on 5 September with a daily service to Heathrow airport operated with an Airbus A330.

Once they have landed in London, customers will be able to take advantage of connections to 14 US destinations, on 33 daily flights, operated by Virgin Atlantic and partner Delta Air Lines.

The previous service to Tel Aviv was pulled on 11 October last year, in the wake of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel and the ensuing Gaza conflict.

The resumption of service has coincided with the codeshare partnership with El Al, with codes placed on both airlines’ Heathrow Tel Aviv services and which will include reciprocal earn and redemption opportunities, including on frequent flyer programmes.

Nor is this the only new arrangement Virgin has announced with a Middle East carrier, the airline has also signed a deal with Saudia offering new connections to destinations including Jeddah and Riyadh.

Finally, the UK carrier has also announced a new codeshare arrangement with SAS Scandinavian Airlines which has just joined the SkyTeam alliance and which will grow Virgin’s access to Scandinavian markets.

Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this month, we know that giving our customers more choice and award-winning service in the skies is what fuels our success, alongside working with the best partners.

“We’re delighted to launch codeshares with our SkyTeam partners at SAS and Saudia today, enhancing our connectivity and offering greater customer benefits to our frequent flyers, who will be able to achieve rewards faster.

“Our return to Tel Aviv on 5 September will be welcome news for customers who have enjoyed our service since 2019, and this time round it’ll be strengthened by our new codeshare partnership with El Al.”