Starting October 19, 2025, Virgin Atlantic will introduce thrice-weekly flights connecting London Heathrow directly to Cancun. This marks the airline’s return to Mexico’s premier beach destination after a six-year absence.
The new service, operated by an Airbus A350-1000, represents a significant expansion of the airline’s Caribbean and Latin American network.
This exclusive direct route opens up convenient access to Central America. It treats travelers to Mexico’s stunning coastlines, rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and renowned culinary scene.
Passengers can take advantage of smooth connections to major Latin American cities through strategic partnerships with Aeromexico and LATAM. This allows onwards access to bustling destinations like Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Lima.
Visiting the Mexican Caribbean
The Mexican Caribbean welcomes visitors with pristine white-sand beaches, awe-inspiring Mayan archaeological sites, diverse wildlife, and mouthwatering local dishes. Adventure seekers can explore eco-friendly attractions in Riviera Maya and Tulum, along with an array of newly opened hotels.
Through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, travelers can select from an extensive range of accommodation options. This includes exclusive luxury boutique resorts that offer intimate, personalized experiences.
For those seeking adult-focused relaxation, numerous adults-only retreats provide serene environments away from family crowds. Families looking for hassle-free vacations will find plenty of all-inclusive properties that cater to guests of all ages.
The comprehensive holiday packages extend beyond accommodation to include immersive excursions visiting a number of sites of interest.
This includes the historic ruins of Tulum, the adventure-filled parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há, and the magnificent Chichen Itza. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as one of the world’s seven wonders.
Airbus A350-1000 Operations
Passengers will experience their journey aboard the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000, one of Virgin Atlantic’s newest and most fuel-efficient aircraft.
The aircraft features a thoughtfully designed cabin configuration with 16 luxurious Upper Class suites, and 56 comfortable Premium seats. This complements 325 well-appointed Economy seats across Delight, Classic, and Light categories.
The aircraft showcases The Booth, Virgin Atlantic’s exclusive Upper Class social space, extending their celebrated Clubhouse experience to the skies. In this innovative area, passengers can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine dining, and curated wine tasting experiences in a sophisticated setting.
Upper Class travelers will indulge in luxurious 44-inch pitch suites with fully flat beds. Beds extend to 82 inches, ensuring maximum comfort during the long haul flight.
Premium and Economy cabins offer spacious seating with premium materials and generous storage options, maintaining comfort throughout all service classes.
Stakeholder Comments
“We’re thrilled to return to Cancun, giving our customers a fantastic winter sun destination.” Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic gives comment on the route restoration. “From its exciting nightlife and dining to pristine beaches and Mayan ruins, Cancun serves as an ideal gateway for regional adventure travel.”
“Our enhanced connectivity through LATAM and Aeromexico partnerships will allow travelers to explore more of Latin America, with Virgin Atlantic’s signature style and service.”
Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo, adds: “In this New Era of the Mexican Caribbean, expanding international connectivity remains crucial as travelers show growing interest in our twelve distinctive destinations and Mayan heritage.”
“This new Virgin Atlantic service will strengthen Cancun International Airport’s position among the world’s most sought after airports, and we’re excited to welcome British visitors to our paradise.”
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