A MAJOR Airline has scrapped flights to one of the world's largest cities after 25 years. The UK carrier had to axe its Asia-Pacific network amid longer flying times caused by Russia 's invasion of Ukraine . Virgin Atlantic has now announced it would stop its London Heathrow to Shanghai service from October 26.
An Airline spokesperson said: “Significant challenges and complexities on this route have contributed to the commercial decision to suspend flying to Shanghai. “We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers and anyone booked to travel from 26 October 2024 will be offered a refund.” A year earlier, Virgin Atlantic had decided against resuming its long-standing Hong Kong route, which it had begun operating in 1994.
The airline cited operational difficulties resulting from the closure of Russian airspace after Ukraine war as a reasoning. The airline has reduced its Asia-Pacific network but it still operates flights to Delhi and Mumbai in India. Virgin has also added a new route to the Maldives last year and flights from Heathrow Airport to Bangalore, India, earlier this year.
The new service invited passengers to explore the cultural diversity, and culinary delights of the "Silicon Valley of India ." It comes as Virgin Atlantic flights could soon return to a new UK airport, for the first time in four years. The Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson expressed his desire to return to Gatwick Airport after flights were shelved during the Covi.