from L-R: Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, UK & Ireland Mr. Graeme Elliott, Director of Government, Industry and International Affairs, Virgin Atlantic H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand Mr. Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Thai ambassador to the United Kingdom
Thailand’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul met with Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic in London, just weeks before the airline launches its first-ever direct non-stop service to Phuket marking an important new chapter in air connectivity between the UK and Thailand.
The meeting took place during the Prime Minister’s visit to London following his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, as part of a programme of meetings with key UK trade, investment, industry and tourism partners.
The new flights are a significant development for UK tourism to Thailand and the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the rationale behind choosing Phuket, the success of pre-sales to date, how demand has exceeded expectations and what opportunities there are beyond the initial season.
The new seasonal service, taking off on 18th October 2026, will operate three times a week and will be Virgin Atlantic’s first route to Thailand and the only direct service between London Heathrow and Phuket, creating additional capacity from the UK to one of Thailand’s most popular holiday regions.
Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “It was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minister and discuss the exciting opportunities ahead, as we prepare to launch our first-ever service to Thailand. Phuket is a fantastic addition to our network, responding to strong customer demand for premium leisure travel while opening up easier access to Thailand’s spectacular Andaman coast, and we look forward to welcoming our first customers onboard next month.”
Beyond Phuket – welcome to the Andaman Coast
While Phuket is one of Thailand’s best-known destinations, the new route also provides UK travellers and the travel trade with a convenient gateway to the wider Andaman region.
From Phuket, travellers can easily combine a stay on the island with the beaches and jungle of Khao Lak, the spectacular limestone landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, or the rainforest, lakes and wildlife of Khao Sok National Park. Phuket is also a great jumping off point for nearby Phi Phi Islands, Krabi and Koh Lanta, creating opportunities for twin and multi-centre itineraries.
The additional capacity is welcomed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which has worked closely with Virgin Atlantic in developing and supporting the route.
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of the TAT London said: “The new flights enable Thailand to welcome more UK visitors while supporting TAT’s strategy of attracting quality travellers, promoting longer stays and the dispersal of tourism benefits beyond established gateways. With flights already on sale, we are encouraging UK travel agents and operators to use the new service to introduce customers to the variety of experiences available throughout southern Thailand.”
A new opportunity for the UK travel trade
The route creates particularly strong opportunities for winter-sun, luxury, wellness, adventure and multi-centre holidays. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is also offering packages across Thailand, giving agents and consumers additional options for building holidays around the new direct air service.
The route launches as the Andaman coast enters high season providing UK travellers with a new non-stop direct option for winter-sun and discovering more of Thailand.
Operated by a Boeing 787-9, flight VS214 will depart London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with return flight VS215 departing Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The winter seasonal service will operate until 27 March 2027. Flights and holidays are on sale now.
Phuket may be where the aircraft ends its journey, but it’s where an exciting journey around the Andaman coast and beyond begins.
