The carrier on Tuesday (16 July) confirmed the final outbound service from London would take off on 25 October, returning the following day.

"Our people and customers in Shanghai have been amazing since we first touched down 25 years ago," said a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson.

"Since then, we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Shanghai for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations.

“However, significant challenges and complexities on this route have contributed to the commercial decision to suspend flying to Shanghai.”

The airline cited increased operating costs and difficulties associated with not being able to fly through Russian airspace as the main reasons for dropping the route.

“We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers," the spokesperson added. "Anyone booked to travel from 26 October will be offered a refund."

All customers booked to fly to Shanghai from 26 October will be contacted starting Thursday (18 July) to discuss their booking and options. 

Virgin Atlantic restarted direct Heathrow-Shanghai flights in early May 2023 after a more than three-year Covid-related hiatus after China relaxed its travel restrictions and reopened its borders.