Yesterday, Virgin Atlantic announced two new routes. The Maldives and Turks & Caicos will be two additional destinations served from their London Heathrow base.
The Maldives
I have been itching for Virgin to launch this route for years. It makes a lot of sense as the only way to get to the Maldives directly is on the British Airways 777 from London Gatwick.
From the press release:
With crystal white sands and sheltered lagoons, the Maldives redefines paradise, in what is undoubtedly one of the most idyllic holiday
destinations, offering luxurious relaxation and adventure. Travellers looking to treat themselves can experience world-class diving, surfing, fishing, kayaking and with over 1,000 coral islands to enjoy, there’s no shortage of things to see or do.
Turks & Caicos
The existing Caribbean routes are very popular for reward flight hunters, and I expect this new route will be just as popular.
From the press release:
Elsewhere, the stunning islands of the Turks & Caicos offer some of the most pristine white sand beaches, surrounded by the world’s clearest turquoise waters. Boasting an expansive barrier reef, home to vibrant coral, dolphins, turtles, stingrays and more, the islands make for a breath-taking playground for snorkelling and diving.
This new destination is the latest addition to our Caribbean portfolio which follows new flying to the Bahamas in December 2021, St Vincent and the Grenadines in October 2021 and our highly anticipated return to St Lucia.
Aircraft and availability
Virgin Atlantic will launch a winter seasonal three-times weekly service to the Maldives from London Heathrow, which will go on sale on 30th November 2022, before commencing on 22nd October 2023.
The airline will also launch a year-round twice weekly service to the Turks & Caicos which will go on sale from 11th January 2023, for flights starting on 15th November 2023 from London Heathrow.
Both routes will be operated on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Flight prices will be announced at a later date.
Bottom line
This is great news if you love a beach holiday. I expect reward seats will be hard to find, but now that Virgin guarantee 12 reward seats on each flight, it should be possible to find these seats with enough advanced planning.
