Virgin Atlantic returns to Brussels!

Virgin Atlantic has announced another exciting new route for winter …. Brussels!

Launching on 27th October, Virgin Atlantic will be operating an A330-300 or A350-1000 to Brussels, seven days per week.

There’s just one snag – you’re not allowed to book it.

The flights are being operated by Virgin Atlantic Cargo and will not carry passengers. Instead, they will carry up to 50 tonnes of cargo.

The plan is to speed up the delivery of time-critical goods such as perishables and pharmaceuticals which are currently driven by road from Heathrow to the continent.

As well as allowing cargo to connect from the existing Virgin Atlantic network, the route is expected to be used by companies wanting to import or export goods between the UK and Europe.

It is a winter-only route, running to 29th March, at which point the Heathrow landing and take-off slots will presumably be used for something more profitable.

This isn’t a new venture for Virgin Atlantic. It initially started cargo flights to Belgium during the pandemic but ceased when passenger demand returned.

The outbound flight, VS505, will leave Heathrow between 05.55 and 07.15 depending on day. The return will leave Brussels at 10.35, landing back into London at 10.50.

You can find out more on the Virgin Atlantic website here.

PS. If you are not a regular Head for Points visitor, why not sign up for our FREE weekly or daily newsletters? They are full of the latest Avios, airline, hotel and credit card points news and will help you travel better. To join our 65,000 free subscribers, click the button below or visit this page of the site to find out more. Thank you.

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.