Route: London Heathrow (LHR) – Seoul Incheon (ICN)
Launch Date: 29 March 2026
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Seats Go On Sale: 14 May 2025
Hold onto your Upper-Class PJs because Virgin Atlantic is finally heading to Seoul. Starting 29 March 2026, you’ll be able to zip between London Heathrow and South Korea’s glittering capital daily aboard one of Virgin’s red-hot Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. You can read my review here. That’s 258 seats of sass, kimchi, and SkyTeam connectivity.
But let’s rewind the tape a bit.
In This Post
Wait, Has Virgin Done Seoul Before?
Nope. Not even in the Richard Branson long-hair, vinyl-record-launching era. This is Virgin’s first toe-dip into the Korean market. And no, they’re not doing it just for the bulgogi.
This new route is part of a regulatory remix following the Korean Air–Asiana merger. To keep things fair (read: not a monopoly),
Korean Air had to cough up some Heathrow slots to keep things fair (read: not a monopoly). Virgin nabbed them, and Seoul was born.
What’s Onboard?
To be precise, you’ll be flying on the Dreamliner Virgin’s 787-9. Think:
- 31 Upper-Class pods with full-flat beds and social space for your mid-flight gossip
- 35 Premium seats that are actually premium (take notes, BA)
- 192 Economy seats, including a few in the “Delight” zone with extra legroom
Bonus: no crusty old aircraft here. The 789 is quieter, smoother, and easier on the jetlag than most long-haul warhorses.
Flight Times? Here’s the Deal
Virgin’s doing this daily, like clockwork:
- VS208 – Departs LHR at 09:45, arrives ICN at 06:05 (+1)
- VS209 – Departs ICN at 08:35, arrives LHR at 15:05
Perfectly timed for catching that morning airport bibimbap or arriving back in London just in time for tea.
Connections, Codeshares & Kimchi
Virgin’s not just going it alone. Thanks to its codeshare with Korean Air (also SkyTeam fam), you’ll be able to ping off to other destinations in Asia and beyond without booking a million separate tickets or playing Guess-the-Terminal at ICN.
Flying to Tokyo, Sydney, or even Busan? Consider it handled.
Why Should Av-Geeks Care?
- Virgin is the only UK carrier flying direct to Seoul.
- This is one of the few long-haul routes Virgin is launching post-pandemic that isn’t aimed squarely at North America.
- Dreamliner + long-haul + a new market = juicy AvGeek content (you know we’ll be reviewing it).
So, When Can You Book?
Mark your calendars: 14 May 2025
Expect flights to pop up on Virgin’s site (and on Flying Club award charts if you’re lucky)
Daily flights start 29 March 2026
Final Boarding Call
This isn’t just a new dot on Virgin’s map. It’s a clever power play. Between alliance connections, fresh slots, and an aircraft cabin that still feels more boutique than budget, this one’s looking spicy.
If you’ve got Virgin Points burning a hole in your Flying Club wallet or you’ve been itching for a more stylish way to Seoul, this is your sign.
Keep the Miles Rolling:
