Virgin flights to Israel’s second city have been suspended since October 2023 amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The carrier has now confirmed the route has been permanently suspended.
“After careful consideration we have taken the difficult decision to cancel our services between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv," a spokesperson told TTG.
However, it will retain a link with the city through the codeshare partnership it agreed with El Al in June 2024.
"We will continue to serve Tel Aviv as the only UK airline to have a partnership with El Al, Israel’s national carrier, on services between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and London Heathrow," said the spokesperson.
Virgin said the codeshare would open up El Al’s services and connections between the UK, Israel and the US, with up to four daily flights.
Passengers will be able to connect via Heathrow to a number of US destinations, including New York, Miami, Atlanta and Las Vegas.
Anyone booked to travel between the UK and Tel Aviv with Virgin will be contacted with their options from 10 May, which will include the option to rebook with an alternative carrier or request a refund.
"Any customers affected by the Tel Aviv cancellations booked directly with Virgin Atlantic will be contacted by email from 10 May 2025, and the cancellation will reflect in their “My Booking” section on the website on 10 May 2025," Virgin added.
