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If you’ve been trying to snag a seat to London lately, you’ll know the demand is, quite frankly, soaring. Good news for the Joburg jet-set: Virgin Atlantic has heard the call and is officially turning up the volume on its South African routes for its 2026/27 winter (our summer) season.
Starting October 2026, the airline is boosting its presence to a massive 10 weekly flights between London Heathrow and OR Tambo, alongside 11 weekly services into Cape Town.
Whether you’re heading to the UK for a rainy-day pub crawl or a high-stakes boardroom meeting, here is what this expansion means for your next trip.
More seats, better timing
The expanded schedule isn't just about quantity; it’s about quality time. The new flights are designed to let you hit the ground running. Early arrivals will let you get into South Africa earlier in the morning, making the most of your day, while late departures will let you squeeze every last drop out of your Joburg stay, making for a seamless overnight sleep straight into London.
The Clubhouse life
For those flying Upper Class or holding Gold/Elite Plus status, the holiday starts long before you board. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at OR Tambo remains one of the city's best-kept transit secrets.
- The vibe: Elegant interiors and a relaxed atmosphere.
- The taste: A menu that balances international flair with local South African flavours, washed down with a curated selection of regional wines (this is honestly the biggest highlight for me).
- The perks: Showers to freshen up and workspaces for those last-minute "out of office" emails.
A global network
Beyond the London fog, this capacity increase opens up the world. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Virgin Atlantic connects South Africans to over 200 destinations across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
"We’re seeing strong momentum out of South Africa," says Marc Harding, Country Manager for Virgin Atlantic. "This expansion is about meeting that demand with a product that stands apart."
With nearly 30 years of history in our skies, Sir Richard Branson’s fleet isn't just visiting, it’s doubling down on its love for Mzansi, and we're here for it!
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