The service from Heathrow will see Virgin break British Airways’ monopoly on the route which it has enjoyed since Norwegian axed all its US routes during the pandemic.

The city, whose slogan is Keep Austin Weird, is famous for its live music scene and its independent shops and restaurants and is distinctly different from Houston and Dallas.

Austin hosts the South by Southwest music festival and has a huge student population but is also home to several hi-tech companies, which gives airlines a mix of business and leisure passengers. Austin is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.

Virgin will operate four times a week from 25 May using a Boeing 787. Flights will leave Heathrow at 11.35, arriving 16.05. They will depart Austin at 18.05, arriving in London at 09.00.

Flights are on sale from 12 January. Return Economy fares start from £409pp, Premium from £711 and Upper Class from £1,711.

Austin is Virgin’s first new US route since 2015. Juha Jarvinen, Virgin’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this new service to Austin, Texas. With an impressive food, arts and music scene, we know it’s a destination our customers will love to explore.
 
“There are so many synergies between Virgin Atlantic and the city of Austin. We love their philosophy and desire to celebrate local brands, businesses and communities, and we cannot wait to welcome customers, both existing and new onboard, flying them safely to explore this fabulously quirky city.”