Cape Town’s direct link to London is getting a major upgrade.
Virgin Atlantic has announced that its seasonal Cape Town–Heathrow route will now run from 13 October 2025 to 19 April 2026 - adding an extra 17,000 seats to the summer season.
From 26 October, a new double overnight schedule kicks in, with flights timed for better rest and faster onward connections to all of Virgin’s US destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando.
- VS 478 departs London at 22:30, arrives in Cape Town at 12:10 (+1)
- VS 479 departs Cape Town at 21:55, arrives in London at 07:45 (+1)
A special Easter extension will see daily flights continue through to 19 April 2026. All services will be on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with Virgin’s signature Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins.
Marc Harding, Virgin Atlantic’s South Africa Country Manager, says the move cements the airline’s long-term commitment to the market: “These changes give customers more seats, more flexibility, and even better connections through Heathrow – making it easier than ever to travel between South Africa, the UK and the US.”
Flights are on sale now at virginatlantic.com.