British airline Virgin Atlantic is reinstating its flights connecting Toronto to London, the company’s first Canadian route since 2014.
Daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport kicked off on March 30, Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson announced during an April 3 press conference. The new daily service is expected to transport more than 165,000 customers each year.
Branson was on one of the first flights into Pearson Airport to make the announcement in person. He exited the aircraft wearing a team Canada jersey and waving a small Canada flag. His entourage was carrying Canadian and British flags.
“Canada, we’ve missed you! It’s been more than a decade, but we’re back and here to do it properly,” Branson said in an April 3 press release.
Branson also spoke briefly with reporters during a press conference after his arrival in Toronto.
“For some reason or another, it seems a lot of Canadians want to go that direction rather than another direction at the moment, so we’re happy to oblige,” he said, referencing the revived Toronto to London connection.
Branson didn’t mention the U.S. directly when asked about how tariffs from the United States have impacted travel, and commented instead about the long-standing relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Between Canada and Britain there are, I don’t think, any tariffs,” he said. “I could never see any tariffs existing between our two countries, and hopefully the countries can become even closer.”
The direct route flight from Toronto to London will be a daily service offered on a Boeing 787 with 31 upper class seats, 35 premium economy seats, and 192 economy seats, the company said in its release. Round-trip fares departing Toronto start from $1,101 economy, $2,516 premium, and $3,739 upper class.
The return of Virgin Atlantic to Canada also coincides with the expansion of its partnership with WestJet.
The two airlines will share a location in Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, providing connections to 13 destinations across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Ottawa, the company said.
Virgin Atlantic was founded by Branson in 1984. The airline last flew to Toronto in 2001 and Vancouver between 2012 and 2014.
The company withdrew from Canada in 2014, citing a shift in focus toward more profitable routes and increased demand in alternative markets.
