Four flights a week will begin on 3 November, moving to daily from 28 November. Return economy fares will start at £436, with premium economy from £937 and Upper Class from £2,256.

Flights will leave Heathrow at 13.25, arriving 18.35. The return departs at 20.50, arriving 10.15 the next day. Virgin’s Tampa service will compete with British Airways, which operates from Gatwick.

Virgin believes Tampa, like Austin, its other new destination this year, is a booming city with a growing population. Tampa has seen a 4.2% growth in population between 2018 and 2021 and has a catchment area of five million throughout the Tampa Bay and St Pete and Clearwater area. 

Key industries based in the region include financial services, healthcare and a burgeoning technology sector. Tampa was the third fastest growing US metro area for entrepreneurs in 2021. 

Tampa is also a gateway to the theme parks of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Busch Gardens.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to continue our expansion in the US with this new daily service to Tampa, Florida, offering even more choice for customers on both sides of the Atlantic to connect between the US and the UK.  
 
“The region has a booming economy with high profile businesses moving to the area and many budding entrepreneurs registering start-ups in the city.

"We very much look forward to forging new relationships within the Tampa Bay community and cannot wait to welcome customers, both existing and new onboard, flying them safely to explore this exciting region.”