LONDON- Virgin Atlantic (VS) permanently ends its London Heathrow (LHR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) flights. The route, once a key connection between the United Kingdom and Israel, was launched in late 2019 but suspended in October 2023 due to escalating regional conflict.
Initially set to resume in late 2025, Virgin Atlantic has now decided to end the service after a thorough network review. Despite previous plans and temporary partnerships, ongoing operational challenges and strategic shifts prompted the permanent withdrawal.
Photo: Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic Ends Tel Aviv Flights
Virgin Atlantic (VS) first entered the London Heathrow (LHR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) market in 2019, offering daily wide-body flights.
Over time, the airline even doubled frequencies to 14 weekly flights, underlining the importance it once placed on the route. However, operations were suspended on October 11, 2023, amid regional instability.
Though the airline initially planned to return in September 2024, proposing daily flights including a stop in Larnaca (LCA), security concerns forced a postponement.
By November 2024, the restart was deferred again to October 2025, citing additional challenges, particularly the scarcity of spare parts for the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines used on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Following a comprehensive review, Virgin Atlantic concluded the route would not resume, favoring the redeployment of its limited fleet toward higher-growth, more profitable markets.
Virgin Atlantic’s decision was influenced by more than just operational hurdles. Since Delta Air Lines (DL) holds a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, strategic alignment has become increasingly critical.
Delta recently deepened its partnership with EL AL Israel Airlines (LY), focusing on expanding US-Israel connectivity.
Additionally, Virgin Atlantic entered into its own codeshare agreement with EL AL in mid-2024, allowing passengers to continue booking flights between London and Tel Aviv through alternative arrangements.
This partnership ensures up to four daily flights between the two cities, maintaining connectivity without direct Virgin Atlantic-operated service.
These developments shifted the strategic necessity of maintaining a standalone London-Tel Aviv route, especially when connectivity goals could be achieved through partners.
Photo- Krzysztof KaczalaWikimedia Commons
Impact on Customers
Virgin Atlantic has committed to notifying affected customers booked directly with the airline via email, offering rebooking options through its codeshare with El Al, or refunds.
The airline emphasized its dedication to high-quality service during this transition, aiming to minimize disruption.
Unlike Virgin Atlantic, other UK carriers have resumed Israel operations. British Airways (BA) restarted flights in April 2025, and easyJet (U2) plans to follow in June 2025.
Before the suspension, Virgin Atlantic operated 14 weekly flights to Tel Aviv, a significant reduction from its pre-war schedule.
Photo: By Mark Harkin – G-VCRU Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Virgin Atlantic, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44299075Strong Leadership
Under CEO Shai Weiss, the first Israeli to lead an international airline, Virgin Atlantic has navigated a challenging recovery.
Weiss, who joined in 2019 after roles as commercial manager and CFO, steered the airline back to profitability in 2023, its first since 2016, following near bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His leadership emphasizes strategic partnerships and network efficiency, evident in the Tel Aviv decision.
The cancellation reflects Virgin Atlantic’s broader goal of optimizing its 40-aircraft fleet for long-haul, high-demand routes, ensuring sustainable growth in a competitive market.
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