Virgin Atlantic is expanding its transatlantic network with two new seasonal direct routes between the United Kingdom and the United States. From June 25, the airline will operate flights on Thursdays between Belfast (BFS) and Orlando (MCO). From Sept. 10, it will introduce Thursday service between Glasgow (GLA) and Las Vegas (LAS). Both routes are scheduled to be flown using Boeing 747-400 aircraft configured with 14 business-class seats.
The additional services aim to connect more travelers from Northern Ireland and Scotland to popular leisure destinations in the U.S. during peak holiday periods. Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, said the expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to providing broader access to its long-haul network across the U.K. and giving more customers the opportunity to experience Virgin Atlantic’s onboard service while traveling for leisure.
These seasonal routes target holidaymakers seeking direct connections to Orlando’s theme parks and Las Vegas’s entertainment options. Operating weekly on Thursdays allows for convenient long-weekend travel and ties into peak summer and early autumn travel demand. Using the four-engine Boeing 747 provides ample capacity for both passenger cabins and checked baggage, while the limited number of business-class seats suggests a focus on premium leisure travelers and families upgrading for comfort on longer flights.
Travelers interested in these new services should note the start dates—June 25 for Belfast–Orlando and Sept. 10 for Glasgow–Las Vegas—and check Virgin Atlantic’s official schedules for booking windows, exact flight times, and seasonal availability. As with any seasonal offerings, frequencies and dates may be adjusted based on demand and operational considerations, so confirming details before planning travel is recommended.
The move underscores a broader trend among carriers to restore and grow leisure-focused long-haul connections between regional U.K. airports and major U.S. destinations. By placing these routes into the schedule during busy travel months, Virgin Atlantic aims to capture holiday traffic while providing more nonstop options for customers outside London.
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