The airline last launched flights to Toronto in 2001, but these were halted by the 9/11 attacks. It also briefly operated to Vancouver between 2012 and 2014.
Virgin has now resumed the Toronto route with the added impetus of attracting passengers wanting to connect to and from India via London, as well as those from the UK wanting to visit Canada itself.
Meanwhile the airline is reducing the number of flights from Heathrow to Seattle from daily to four a week next winter, with the route also being operated by major shareholder Delta, which has a hub at the Pacific coast destination.
Virgin will operate to Toronto with a Boeing 787-9 and expects to carry more than 165,000 passengers a year. An expanded codeshare with WestJet offers connections to 13 destinations including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Ottawa.
Juha Jarvinen, Virgin’s chief commercial officer, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back in Canada. We’ve long wanted to return – and this time, we’re here to stay.
“Toronto is not only a thriving financial hub, but also a gateway to one of the most vibrant and diverse countries in the world. With our strong transatlantic focus, expanded connectivity to India, and exciting new partnership with WestJet, the timing couldn’t be better.”
Flights leave Heathrow at 17.10, arriving at 20.30. The return flight is a 22.20, arriving at 10.30. Economy return fares start at £391, with premium economy at £881 and Upper Class from £1,809.
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic president added: " I’m delighted to see Virgin Atlantic’s return to Toronto, a city with so much spirit and energy.”
