On 18 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the UK joined the celebration marking Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight VS214 from London to Phuket at Heathrow Airport. The event was attended by Ms. Worapa Angkasirisap, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), London Office; Ms. Corine Darreuyre, Senior Station Manager at Heathrow Airport; and representatives of Virgin Atlantic. The flight is scheduled to arrive at Phuket International Airport on 19 October 2026 at 09:55 hrs.

Virgin Atlantic will operate the London–Phuket route as a seasonal service from 18 October 2026 to 26 March 2027, with three flights per week, to accommodate growing demand during Thailand’s high season. The launch of this new route will provide greater options and convenience for travellers from the UK to visit Phuket, as well as other major tourist destinations nearby and elsewhere in Thailand. This new air link is expected to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people contacts between the UK and Thailand and support the continued growth of Thailand’s tourism industry.