Virgin Atlantic has made a return to Canada, launching direct services between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Maiden voyage Flight VS 147 departed London at 18:02 local time on March 30, 2025, arriving at Toronto Airport at 20:42 local time.
Virgin Atlantic are in Toronto with @richardbranson Daily flights to London! Canadians enjoy our much loved capital & tend to stay longer travelling around Britain. Anticipating a record breaking year from Canada. @ViginAtlantic @VisitBritainBiz @cathystapells @YounisFouzia pic.twitter.com/FjcGV1K5zg
— paulgauger (@paulgauger) April 4, 2025
The carrier made a grand comeback, with Virgin Founder and Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson himself joining the inaugural flight.
Virgin Atlantic last flew to Canada over a decade ago, having flown to Toronto in 2001 and Vancouver between 2012 and 2014.
The new daily service between London and Toronto, operated on a Boeing 787-9, is expected to carry over 165,000 passengers annually.
Virgin Atlantic said that the new service will also offer greater connections within Canada, as part of an expanded codeshare partnership with WestJet. What’s more, it will provide Canadians with connections to key destinations in India via a transit through London, where average transit time is one hour and 20 minutes.
“Canada, we’ve missed you!” Branson said. “It’s been more than a decade, but we’re back and here to do it properly. I’m delighted to see Virgin Atlantic’s return to Toronto, a city with so much spirit and energy. With our incredible crew, exceptional service, and a strong network of partners, we can’t wait to welcome customers onboard.”
The daily flights offer 31 seats in Upper Class, 35 in Premium Economy and 192 Economy seats.