Virgin Atlantic launches new Brazil and India services

Virgin Atlantic has announced new services to Sao Paulo in Brazil and Bengaluru (Bangalore) in India, starting next year.

The new daily Heathrow service to Brazil is the airline’s first route to South America, while Bengaluru will become the airline’s third destination and fourth daily service to India.

Flights from Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport will operate from May 13, 2024. Tickets are set to be on sale from August, with fares starting from £655.

Flights to Bengaluru will take off from March 31, 2024.

São Paulo is a key hub in Brazil for Virgin Atlantic’s codeshare partner and South America’s largest airline, Latam.

The partnership provides customers with onward connections to 12 domestic airports in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Florianopolis.

Meanwhile, the addition of the new Bengaluru route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats each year between the UK and India.

Virgin Atlantic’s growing codeshare with IndiGo flies to 34 destinations across India.

News of Sao Paulo and Bengaluru follow announcements last week about the airline’s return to Dubai, operating seasonally from October through to March, and resumption of seasonal summer services between Manchester and Las Vegas.

Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic chief executive, commented: “From our entrance into South America, to our expansion in India and the growth of our premium sun portfolio, there is something for all of our customers to experience.

“By leveraging the power of our strategic partners, and welcoming our state of the art, brand new A350 and A339 aircraft, customers can rely on Virgin Atlantic to connect them to where they need to be, enjoying a premium customer experience, delivered by our amazing crew. Our plan is working, positioning us to return to profitability in 2024.”