On the basis the ban on flights entering Russian airspace remains, Heathrow-Hong Kong flight times would be approximately 60 mins longer and Hong Kong-Heathrow would be 1hrs 50 min longer than prior to airspace closure.
As a result, the airline will not to resume flights in March 2023 as planned – which have already been paused since December 2021.
A spokesperson for the carrier said: "Our people and customers in Hong Kong have been amazing since we first touched down at the famous Kai Tak airport in 1994, and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Hong Kong for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations.
"We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers on this route and anyone booked to travel from March 2023, will be offered a refund, voucher or the option to rebook on an alternative Virgin Atlantic route."
The capacity unlocked by this decision, however, will allow Virgin Atlantic to increase frequencies in other key markets in its summer 2023 schedule.
There will be a limited number of cancellations to be processed as a result of the decision, affecting customers due to travel from March 2023. The airline will be contacting the customers to inform them of their options.
It comes as Hong Kong reportedly announced plans to give away 500,000 free airline tickets in a bid to boost its Covid-19-hit tourism industry.
