Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of a daily direct service between London Heathrow and Toronto and expand its commercial partnership with WestJet. Toronto, known to be a busy hub for Indians too, will see double daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi, via London Heathrow.

A new direct route between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and London Heathrow (LHR) has been announced by British airline Virgin Atlantic, signalling the airline’s entry into Canada’s financial centre and its expansion throughout North America.

According to a press statement by the airline, the new daily service will launch on March 30, 2025 and will operate a mix of its signature aircraft on the route, including the A330-900 Neo, the latest addition to its fleet.

The statement adds that the new service will also feature the airline’s iconic onboard social space, wireless charging and design touches while connecting the two global financial hubs, Toronto and London, servicing top banking and stock market leaders travelling between the two cities and onward.

The airline says that this new route will complement the existing services between Canada and Europe with the airline’s joint venture partners, Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM.

It adds that Toronto, known to be a busy hub for Indians too, will see double daily flights to Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL), with average connectivity via London Heathrow at 1 hour 20 minutes.

The airline adds that it will provide onward connections via its services to Bengaluru (BLR), Lagos (LOS), Johannesburg (JNB), and Tel Aviv (TLV). Codeshare partnerships with EL AL and Middle East Airlines will present expanded options for customers travelling to Tel Aviv (TLV) and Beirut (BEY).

To further bolster connectivity and build on existing networks between Canada, the UK and Europe, Virgin Atlantic is announcing its partnership expansion with Canadian carrier WestJet, which is slated to launch in October this year, the statement adds.

The partnership with WestJet will allow Canadian customers to travel seamlessly throughout the region, including flights from Ottawa (YOW) and Winnipeg (YWG).

Virgin Atlantic says it will also offer 20 tonnes of cargo capacity on each flight. This fast cargo service will offer new opportunities for companies looking to export and import goods such as high-tech products and e-commerce between prime markets in the UK and Canada.

“We are incredibly excited to be back in Canada and to launch this new service between Toronto and London. With an impressive film, sports, food, and entertainment scene, we know Canadians will enjoy travelling with us to London, a city that also celebrates arts and culture and encourages exploration,” says Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic.

“Our expansion into the Great White North will complement our services from our United States heartland to the United Kingdom. We know our customers and our people will enjoy all Toronto has to offer, from seamless connectivity onwards across the beautiful region to hockey and film festivals in the city, the city is a lively destination for business and leisure travellers alike,” adds Jarvinen.

“Demand for travel between Toronto and London is strong. In 2023, more than a million passengers flew between the two international cities, making the route our largest long haul international market. We are excited to welcome Virgin Atlantic to Toronto Pearson. This is a big win not only in terms of capacity, but also choice. Virgin Atlantic’s brand experience and onboard product will be an excellent option for our guests flying from, to and beyond London,” says Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Commercial Officer and interim Chief Operating Officer, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.