Virgin Atlantic is giving Cape Town travellers more options than ever, extending its seasonal service to London Heathrow and adding over 17,000 extra seats for the 2025/2026 season.
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The route will now run from 13 October 2025 to 19 April 2026, with a special Easter peak extension from 29 March to 19 April 2026, featuring daily flights during the holiday period.
Alongside additional capacity, the airline has optimised overnight flight times to improve comfort, rest, and onward connections. From 26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, flights will operate on a double overnight schedule aligned with Johannesburg services, making it easier for travellers across South Africa to plan their journeys.
- VS 478: Departs London Heathrow 22:30 → Arrives Cape Town 12:10 (+1)
- VS 479: Departs Cape Town 21:55 → Arrives London Heathrow 07:45 (+1)
Cape Town passengers will also benefit from seamless same-day connections via Heathrow to all Virgin Atlantic US destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.
All flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins with in-seat entertainment, Wi-Fi, and Virgin Atlantic’s signature service.
Marc Harding, Virgin Atlantic Country Manager for South Africa, said, “We’re incredibly proud to be enhancing our Cape Town service with an extended season, more convenient overnight flight times, and additional capacity.
“Cape Town travellers can now seamlessly connect to all of our US destinations, making it easier than ever to travel between South Africa, the UK, and the United States.”
Tickets for the Cape Town route are on sale now. More information is available at www.virginatlantic.com.
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