TAT Welcomes Virgin Atlantic's London-Phuket Flight
TAT welcomed Virgin Atlantic's inaugural non-stop seasonal flight from London Heathrow to Phuket on Oct 19, 2026, adding 774 weekly inbound seats.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TAT welcomed Virgin Atlantic's inaugural London Heathrow-Phuket flight on Oct 19, 2026
- Operating 3 weekly flights for the 2026-2027 winter season, adding 774 inbound seats
- Joint marketing campaigns generated 9,079 bookings and 5.41 million audience exposures
- UK travellers average a 14.18-day stay, spending 61,615 Baht per person per trip
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Virgin Atlantic flight VS214 from London Heathrow at Phuket International Airport on October 19, 2026, marking the launch of a new seasonal non-stop service. Operating three times weekly during the 2026-2027 UK winter season, the route expands direct access to Phuket from one of Thailand's key high-value long-haul source markets.
Representatives from TAT, Phuket International Airport, and Virgin Atlantic joined the welcoming ceremony to greet arriving passengers and present commemorative souvenirs. The inaugural flight departed London Heathrow on October 18 and arrived in Phuket on October 19 with all 258 seats fully occupied, a milestone also celebrated on Virgin Atlantic's Instagram.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, stated that the new service grants UK travellers enhanced access to Phuket during the winter season. Under TAT's Airline Focus and Value over Volume directives, the authority is collaborating with airline and travel trade partners to convert added flight capacity into high-value tourism.
The service operates until March 26, 2027, departing London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 15:45 Hrs. and arriving in Phuket at 09:55 Hrs. the following day. Return flights depart Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:45 Hrs. Additionally, TAT's London Office hosted an Amazing Phuket Send Off event at Heathrow Airport, attended by Thai Ambassador to the UK Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra.
"Under TAT's Airline Focus and Value over Volume directions, we are working with airline and travel trade partners to convert additional flight capacity into high-value tourism."
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor
The flight carried 29 Barrhead Travel representatives led by Managing Director Ms. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, participating in TAT's Joint Agent: Top Sellers Fam Trip. This route complements existing direct services, such as Thai Airways International and EVA Air's combined 21 weekly flights between London Heathrow and Bangkok, alongside seasonal connections by British Airways, TUI, and Norse Atlantic Airways.
The introduction of non-stop seasonal flights to Phuket highlights TAT's strategic focus on capturing high-value long-haul markets during peak travel seasons. By partnering directly with major carriers and travel agencies, Thailand effectively bridges flight connectivity with consumer spending goals, ensuring sustainable growth in tourism revenue.
TAT's London Office partnered with Virgin Atlantic on a joint UK marketing campaign combining digital ads, promotions at Virgin Atlantic Holidays outlets, email newsletters, and in-store displays, generating 9,079 bookings and at least 5.41 million audience exposures. The UK remains a top five tourism revenue-generating market for Thailand, with UK arrivals in 2025 surpassing one million for the first time and generating 74,515 million Baht.
Source: TAT Newsroom
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