Virgin Atlantic proudly celebrates 25 years of operations in India, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to expanding within one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. Since its first flight from London Heathrow to Delhi in July 2000, the airline has experienced remarkable growth, with India now recognized as its third-largest market. Currently, Virgin Atlantic offers an impressive one million seats annually, operating five daily flights from major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The airline’s capacity in India has surged by 350% since 2019, showcasing Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to providing enhanced travel options for both passengers and the global shipping industry. Alongside passenger flights, the airline has significantly increased its cargo operations, which are crucial for sectors such as fashion, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Virgin Atlantic Cargo has boosted its capacity by 356% since 2019, accommodating over 53.4 million kilograms of goods annually through five daily flights from India, thereby reinforcing its role in global trade.

To celebrate this significant achievement, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, and Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, joined local crews at the iconic India Gate, reflecting pride in the airline’s long-standing connection with India. The airline has made substantial investments to enhance the onboard experience, which includes hiring Indian-based cabin crew to provide a culturally enriched journey. Each flight to India now features an average of three Indian crew members, doubling the number from 2024, and UK-based crew have received cultural training to better serve Indian customers.

In addition to its staffing initiatives, Virgin Atlantic has introduced a variety of Indian culinary options onboard, allowing passengers to enjoy authentic dishes such as vegetable korma, saag masala, and masala dosa. This focus on cultural representation extends to the entertainment provided, with a selection of Indian movies, TV series, and popular Bollywood music available for travelers’ enjoyment.

The airline’s connectivity through London Heathrow plays a crucial role in its growth, facilitating easy access for Indian passengers to numerous North American destinations. With 40% of Indian customers opting for connections through Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic continues to enhance its role as a global connector. New routes, including direct services to Toronto and connections to Seattle, San Francisco, and New York JFK, provide Indian travelers with more opportunities to explore the world.

Furthering its connectivity strategy, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline, since September 2023. This collaboration allows travelers access to 34 destinations across India, including popular cities such as Varanasi, Amritsar, and Goa. Since its inception, the partnership has successfully connected over 200 000 customers, offering a more integrated travel experience.

As Virgin Atlantic marks its 25th anniversary of operations in India, the airline is poised for continued growth in the region. With a commitment to expanding routes, increasing capacity, and enhancing customer experiences, Virgin Atlantic aims to meet the evolving needs of Indian travelers while contributing to the region’s economic growth.

The airline’s ongoing investment in services and partnerships reflects its long-term vision for the Indian market. Whether through enhanced flight frequencies, larger cargo capacity, or improved customer service, Virgin Atlantic remains focused on being the preferred choice for travelers flying between India and the UK. Looking ahead, the airline’s commitment to growth, innovation, and cultural understanding will guide its operations, ensuring a bright future filled with new opportunities and memorable experiences for travelers worldwide.