Virgin Atlantic has officially cancelled its plans to resume direct flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Tel Aviv (TLV) this October.
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Virgin Atlantic Suspends TLV Route
The airline initially launched the London–Tel Aviv route in September 2019, hoping to capture a slice of the business, tech, and leisure market. Fast forward six years, and it’s a different story: Virgin’s relationship with Tel Aviv is officially over. No farewell tour, no comeback tour – just a quiet goodbye.
Instead, Virgin Atlantic passengers can still reach Tel Aviv via a codeshare partnership with EL AL. Book through Virgin, fly on EL AL metal and keep your points and perks rolling – just without the red-tail glamour.
Virgin cited aircraft shortages and a renewed focus on “priority growth routes” as reasons for the decision. Translation: bigger money-makers elsewhere. It’s the latest move in a broader reshuffle that sees Virgin sharpening its focus on the US, the Caribbean, and India.
Opinion: Should Israel Welcome Virgin Back?
This raises an interesting point: Should Israel roll out the red carpet if Virgin ever decides it’s ready to return?
Is international aviation a game of free willy-nilly – airlines popping in and out whenever it suits them? Or should sovereign nations consider reliability and resilience before handing landing rights back over?
Airlines naturally need to pivot based on global events, profitability, and fleet planning. However, from Israel’s perspective, consistent service matters for economic stability and international confidence. In the future, if Virgin comes knocking, Tel Aviv’s decision-makers might just think twice.
The London–Tel Aviv Run: Who’s Still Standing
Despite Virgin’s departure, several airlines are keeping the runway to Israel wide open:
EL AL Israel Airlines
- Flight LY316: Departs LHR 10:10 AM BST → Arrives TLV 5:35 PM IDT
- Flight LY318: Departs LHR 10:10 PM BST → Arrives TLV 5:15 AM IDT (next day)
British Airways
- Flight BA165: Departs LHR 8:00 AM BST → Arrives TLV 3:15 PM IDT
- Flight BA167: Departs LHR 9:15 PM BST → Arrives TLV 4:20 AM IDT (next day)
Wizz Air UK
- Flight W95301: Departs LTN 7:25 AM BST → Arrives TLV 2:30 PM IDT
- Flight W95302: Departs TLV 3:25 PM IDT → Arrives LTN 6:45 PM BST
easyJet
- Flight U22491: Departs LTN 6:00 AM BST → Arrives TLV 1:15 PM IDT
- Flight U22493: Departs LTN 1:00 PM BST → Arrives TLV 8:15 PM IDT
Israir Airlines
- Flight 6H118: Departs LTN 4:00 PM BST → Arrives TLV 9:05 PM IDT
Timings are accurate as of April 2025 – but always double-check before you book.
Final Approach
So, while Virgin loyalists will have to give up their Upper-Class dreams to Tel Aviv for now, you’re hardly stranded. EL AL, BA, Wizz Air, easyJet, and Israir still hold the line – offering everything from posh business class to ultra-budget hops.
Virgin’s decision is another reminder that loyalty isn’t always a two-way street in aviation. And sometimes, the departure board really does mean the final call.
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1 comment
Traffic in the route is down, as demonstrated by ba’s swap to a smaller narrow body.
EVERYTHING TO WITH VIABILITY AND A KNOCK ON EFFECT OF THE ONGOING WAR.