Virgin Atlantic adds new Riyadh and Accra flights for 2025
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Virgin Atlantic has announced two more new routes for 2025, on top of the earlier launch of Toronto.
It’s good news for people who feel that Virgin Atlantic is focused too much on the United States, although I’m not sure these two new destinations will win them over.
The airline is launching flights to Riyadh and Accra.
It is possible (says our friend @SeanM1997 on X) that these flights signify the end of the two daily scheduled Tel Aviv services. Tel Aviv flights are currently due to resume on 24th September.
The Riyadh service will launch on 30th March, using a new A330neo aircraft with the best version of the new Upper Class Suite.
Flights will operate daily.
Connections to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi will be available as codeshares with fellow SkyTeam member Saudia, with further codeshare destinations within Saudi Arabia and to Bangladesh and China to follow.
Virgin Atlantic already codeshares with Saudia on its flights from Heathrow and Manchester to Riyadh and Jeddah. I assume that Saudia will add its code to the new Virgin Atlantic service.
Accra will follow on 1st May, using a Boeing 787 with the ‘not great’ old Upper Class seat. Those with long memories will remember that Virgin Atlantic used to fly to Ghana until 2013.
Flights will operate daily.
British Airways is currently the only airline flying directly between London and Accra. Virgin Atlantic believes that the route offers good cargo opportunities for fresh produce and that – intriguingly – around 10% of passengers will connect to a Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines flight to New York JFK.
As a reminder, Toronto is already on sale with the first flight on 30th March 2025. WestJet will offer connections to other Canadian destinations, and the flights are timed to offer good connections to/from Virgin’s flights to Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.
Flights to Riyadh and Accra are NOT on sale yet. You will need to wait until 12th September to make cash or Virgin Points bookings.
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review
You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.
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