The countdown is on for Virgin Atlantic’s new daily service from London Heathrow to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, with the first flight scheduled for 29 March 2026.
Operated on the Boeing 787-9, the route cements Virgin Atlantic’s continued expansion eastwards, joining recent launches to Riyadh, Dubai and the Maldives, as well as its growing network in India with five daily services to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The new service is perfectly timed for travellers looking to discover Seoul in full bloom, as the city bursts into life in spring. Visitors can stroll through the city’s parks and palaces during the cherry blossom season in early April, as delicate pink and white blooms create a breath taking spectacle, while just outside the city, the Garden of Morning Calm Spring Flower Festival offers a journey through thousands of plants bursting with colour, as well as exhibitions, performances and family-friendly activities.
Tourists looking to delve into the city’s rich heritage can immerse themselves in the K-Royal Culture Festival, exploring traditional performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities across Seoul’s grand royal palaces. And in mid-May, the Lotus Lantern Festival – one of South Korea’s most cherished celebrations – transforms the city with dazzling lantern parades, music, and traditional displays in honour of Buddha’s birthday.
While Seoul shines in spring, there’s no shortage of unmissable events throughout the year, both in the capital and beyond:
Haeundae Sand Festival, Busan, May: Each year, the shoreline of Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach is transformed into an open-air gallery of stunning sand sculptures crafted by world-renowned artists.
Waterbomb Festival, Seoul/Busan, July/August: Where music festival meets epic water fight, this unique event offers an escape from the summer heat and the chance to catch live performances from some of the biggest K-pop stars.
Gangnam Festival, Seoul, September: A vibrant celebration of Seoul’s trendy Gangnam district, featuring K‑pop concerts, fashion shows, street performances, and dazzling lights that bring the city’s style and energy to life.
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), September/October: Over the space of ten days, Korea’s largest international film festival showcases a diverse lineup of films to a global audience, spotlighting Asian cinema and first-time directors.
Through Virgin Atlantic’s close partnership with Korean Air, customers can connect through Seoul to an abundance of new Northeast Asian destinations such as Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Hokkaido in Japan, Sydney and Brisbane in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang in Vietnam and Hong Kong. In addition, our customers can enjoy benefits across our SkyTeam partners operating at Incheon including Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Xiamen Airlines.
Juha Jaervinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new service to Seoul at one of the most captivating times to visit this vibrant and forward-looking city. From historic palaces and world-class shopping to a thriving food scene and cultural festivals, there’s so much for travellers to explore. And thanks to our collaboration with SkyTeam partners including Korean Air, travellers can easily connect onwards across South Korea and beyond, all while enjoying the premium service which Virgin Atlantic is renowned for.”