Virgin Atlantic has announced exciting enhancements to its upcoming winter 2025/26 service. With clear signals of surging demand, the airline is boosting its capacity on two highly sought-after leisure routes: London to Dubai and Cape Town to London.
A Big Lift for Dubai
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Passenger demand for the London–Dubai route has surged by 72% compared to last year.
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To meet that demand, Virgin Atlantic is switching to its flagship Airbus A350, adding a staggering 50% more seats roughly 40,000 extra seats for the winter season, running from October 2025 to March 2026.
More Time in the Cape
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Cape Town’s seasonal route is being extended into mid-April 2026 adding six additional weeks to the schedule and boosting capacity by nearly 15%, in response to a 38% year-on-year booking increase.
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As part of the expanded season, flights will run from 13 October 2025 to 19 April 2026, with a special Easter peak extension from 29 March to 19 April 2026, offering daily flights during that period.
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The service employs a double overnight schedule for smoother transfers and better rest, aligned with Johannesburg services for seamless onward travel across South Africa:
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VS 478: Departs London Heathrow at 22:30, arriving Cape Town at 12:10 (+1 day)
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VS 479: Departs Cape Town at 21:55, arriving London at 07:45 (+1 day)
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All Cape Town flights will be flown using Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering Upper Class, Premium, and three Economy options Light, Classic, and Delight complete with in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and the airline’s renowned service.
What It Means for Travellers
These route enhancements reflect Virgin Atlantic’s deepening commitment to premium leisure travel and key international markets:
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Dubai: The switch to A350s accommodates more passengers in comfort, positioning Virgin as a top choice for winter escapes.
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Cape Town: The extended season, added capacity, and optimized schedules empower travellers with better flexibility, more availability, and smoother connections.