Virgin Atlantic Resumes Flights Between London Heathrow and Mumbai

On 27 October 2019, we resumed scheduled flights between London Heathrow and Mumbai, restoring a direct service to India's commercial centre after a four-year absence. The daily, year-round route complemented our established service to Delhi, expanding our Indian network and providing additional travel options for business and leisure passengers. The route was operated by our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy seats. Flight schedules were designed to support connections through Heathrow to destinations across North America, including services operated with our transatlantic partner Delta Air Lines. The aircraft also provided up to 26 tonnes of cargo capacity, supporting trade between India, the UK and the United States. The inaugural flight departed Heathrow on 27 October, with Diwali celebrations at the airport, including traditional Indian dancers greeting passengers at check-in. The aircraft, G-VCRU Olivia Rae, arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of 28 October, where it received a traditional welcome featuring garlands and a coconut-breaking ceremony. The return to Mumbai followed the suspension of Jet Airways' operations earlier in 2019, which had reduced direct travel options between India and the UK. Restoring the route allowed us to serve this demand directly while strengthening our passenger and cargo connections between India, Britain and North America.