Virgin Atlantic launches direct London to Seoul route for business travel
Virgin Atlantic has officially launched a new daily direct service between London Heathrow and Seoul, marking the airline’s return to East Asia and strengthening UK–South Korea connectivity for business travel.
For UK-based business travellers, this new route is particularly significant as it provides a direct, British-operated connection into one of Asia’s most dynamic economic hubs, while also enabling seamless onward travel across the region through partnerships with Korean Air and the wider SkyTeam alliance.
The inaugural flight departed on 29 March 2026, with Virgin Atlantic now operating a daily service between Heathrow and Incheon International Airport using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering Economy, Premium and Upper Class cabins. The route represents a major milestone for the airline as it expands eastwards, complementing recent additions to its network including Riyadh, Dubai and increased frequencies to India.
Demand for travel to South Korea has surged in recent years, with the country attracting record numbers of international visitors and strengthening commercial ties with the UK. Virgin Atlantic Chief Commercial Officer Dave Geer said
“The business links between Korea and the UK are becoming stronger and stronger, and Korean culture is popping up everywhere.”
The new service also supports both passenger and cargo demand, with capacity for goods such as electronics and pharmaceuticals, further enhancing trade links between the two countries. With approximately 180,000 seats available annually, the route is already performing strongly, particularly in premium cabins popular with corporate travellers.
In addition to point-to-point travel, the partnership with Korean Air enables convenient onward connections to destinations across Asia and Australasia, including Japan, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand, making Seoul an increasingly valuable hub for international business travel itineraries.
Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said
“The launch of Virgin Atlantic’s Seoul service is a major step forward for UK business travel, giving travellers direct access to a key Asian market while opening up efficient onward connections across the region. For organisations with interests in technology, manufacturing and global trade, this route will make travelling to and within Asia significantly more convenient and productive.”
The introduction of this service also restores competition on the UK–South Korea route following industry consolidation, ensuring greater choice and flexibility for corporate travellers while supporting continued growth in bilateral trade and investment. (FlyMag.com)
As airlines continue to rebalance their networks beyond traditional transatlantic routes, Virgin Atlantic’s move into South Korea highlights the growing importance of Asia within the global business travel landscape and offers UK travellers more direct, efficient options for reaching key commercial centres.
If you would like further information on how this new route could benefit your business travel programme, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.