ANJ, April 29 - Virgin Atlantic, a prominent British airline, has decided to permanently cancel its flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), marking the end of its direct service to Israel. The announcement, made on April 28, 2025, follows a series of suspensions and delays that began in October 2023, when the airline halted operations on the route due to the outbreak of the Gaza war. Initially, Virgin Atlantic had planned to resume flights in October 2025, but after what the airline described as a “comprehensive review” of its network strategy, it opted to discontinue the route entirely. This decision reflects broader strategic shifts within the airline as it seeks to optimize its operations in a highly competitive global aviation market.
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The London-Tel Aviv route, launched in September 2019, was a relatively new addition to Virgin Atlantic’s portfolio. At its peak, the airline operated up to two daily flights, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The route was celebrated for fostering connectivity between the UK and Israel. Virgin Atlantic’s founder, Richard Branson, personally marked its launch by visiting Tel Aviv and praising Israel’s entrepreneurial spirit. However, the suspension in 2023, prompted by security concerns in the region, disrupted this service. Subsequent attempts to restart the route were hampered by operational challenges, including delays in the delivery of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines for the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which forced Virgin Atlantic to delay its planned resumption from March 2025 to the following winter. Instead of resuming direct flights, Virgin Atlantic has chosen to strengthen its codeshare partnership with El Al, Israel’s national carrier. This agreement allows Virgin Atlantic to maintain connectivity to Tel Aviv by offering passengers access to up to four daily flights operated by El Al between London Heathrow and Ben Gurion Airport. The partnership also includes reciprocal loyalty benefits, enabling members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and El Al’s Matmid program to earn and redeem points, as well as access tier-specific perks. This arrangement ensures that Virgin Atlantic can continue serving the UK-Israel market without the operational and financial burden of maintaining its own flights, particularly in a region where geopolitical tensions have made demand unpredictable.
For customers affected by the cancellation, Virgin Atlantic has outlined a clear process for managing bookings. Those who booked directly with the airline will receive email notifications starting May 10, 2025, with details reflected in the “My Bookings” section of the airline’s website. Options include rebooking on El Al-operated flights, rescheduling, or receiving a full refund. This customer-centric approach aligns with UK and EU air passengers’ rights regulations (UK261 and EC261), which mandate prompt refunds and support for passengers facing cancellations.
The permanent cancellation of the Tel Aviv route is part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader strategy to focus on high-demand, long-haul routes that align with its 40-aircraft fleet’s capabilities. The airline has recently announced new services, such as flights to Riyadh and plans for Seoul in 2026, signaling a pivot toward markets with stronger growth potential. The decision underscores the challenges airlines face in balancing network ambitions with operational realities, particularly in regions affected by instability. While Virgin Atlantic’s partnership with El Al ensures continued access to Tel Aviv, the absence of its own flights marks a notable retreat from a route once seen as a symbol of its global expansion.