The airline is due to start flights from Heathrow next March but is currently only selling those of SkyTeam partner Korean Air on its website, having initially posted Virgin fares in May.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Whilst tickets were on sale initially, the on-sale date has been delayed due to required South Korean permit approvals. We look forward to reopening sales in due course.”

Flights are due to begin on 29 March 2026 after the airline gained “remedy slots” when Korean Air and Asiana merged with regulators keen to encourage competition. British Airways offers Seoul via Doha in partnership with Qatar Airways but does not fly direct.

The airline’s spokesperson added: “We’re excited to be launching new flights to Seoul, South Korea, on 29 March 2026, and are currently finalising all the elements required for this new service.

"We look forward to opening sales in due course, and welcoming customers onboard next year."

Virgin believes it will attract many leisure travellers to Seoul given the popularity of the Netflix series Squid Game and the growing awareness of the country’s music and food scene.