5 days ago
Virgin Atlantic upgrades Cape Town route for summer season
Cape Town's direct link to London is getting a major upgrade.
Virgin Atlantic has announced that its seasonal Cape Town–Heathrow route will now run from 13 October 2025 to 19 April 2026 - adding an extra 17,000 seats to the summer season.
From 26 October, a new double overnight schedule kicks in, with flights timed for better rest and faster onward connections to all of Virgin's US destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando.
VS 478 departs London at 22:30, arrives in Cape Town at 12:10 (+1)
VS 479 departs Cape Town at 21:55, arrives in London at 07:45 (+1)
A special Easter extension will see daily flights continue through to 19 April 2026. All services will be on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with Virgin's signature Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins.
Marc Harding, Virgin Atlantic's South Africa Country Manager, says the move cements the airline's long-term commitment to the market: 'These changes give customers more seats, more flexibility, and even better connections through Heathrow – making it easier than ever to travel between South Africa, the UK and the US.'
