Virgin Atlantic is to fly to Mumbai under its own metal for the first time in four years, with a new daily service launching in October.
Until recently the carrier had been codesharing on Jet Airways’ flights between Mumbai and London, but with the Indian airline currently grounded, Virgin has made the decision to re-enter a route it last served in 2015.
The B787-9 service will launch on October 27, departing London Heathrow at 1015 and arriving into Mumbai at 0040 the following day, with the return leg leaving the Indian city at 0255 and landing back into London at 0735. Tickets for the new service will go on sale on May 28.
The route will add to Virgin’s existing daily service to Delhi.
Earlier this month Business Traveller reported on British Airways’ plans to increase frequency on its Heathrow-Mumbai route from June 4.
Commenting on the news Juha Jarvinen, Executive Vice President, Commercial, at Virgin Atlantic, said:
“2019 marks a significant period of growth for Virgin Atlantic and I’m delighted that we’re continuing to expand our route network once more, by returning to Mumbai. Until recently we’ve been able to serve this important market through our partnership with Jet Airways, however, since Jet Airways has sadly suspended its operation, we now have an opportunity to provide alternative options for our customers and meet this demand.”
“Combined with our long-standing route to Delhi, we’re able to provide travellers even more opportunity to experience our award winning service between the UK and India. Not only are we providing an increased offering to the thriving Indian market, but together with our partners at Delta, we can offer unrivalled choice and more seamless connections to the USA via Heathrow Airport.”
