Long haul airline Virgin Atlantic has announced it is expanding its range of transatlantic routes to the world's theme park capital. A new direct route from London Heathrow to Tampa, will launch on November 3, further cementing its commitment to its Florida heartland.
The new year-round Florida service will initially fly four times a week before increasing to daily from November 28, complementing the airline’s up to four daily flying to Orlando and double daily flying to Miami. This latest addition follows the airline’s launch of direct flights between London and Austin, Texas, in May 2022.
Offering more than 190,000 seats each year, Virgin Atlantic will be the only airline to directly connect the Tampa Bay region with Heathrow. Tampa is the perfect gateway to Florida’s top attractions with the popular theme parks of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Busch Gardens all within easy reach.
To capitalise on the increasing leisure tourism, Virgin Atlantic Holidays will be boosting its holiday portfolio throughout the region offering a range of hotels and fly drive holidays. Return economy fares will start from £436.
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We are delighted to continue our expansion in the US with this new daily service to Tampa offering even more choice for customers on both sides of the Atlantic to connect between the US and the UK. Florida is very much a firm favourite for our customers ever since our first flight to Miami back in 1986. With the popular theme parks and the stunning beaches of St Pete and Clearwater within easy reach, we know it’s an area our customers will love to explore.”
Joe Lopano, chief executive at Tampa International Airport, added: “We at Tampa International Airport are thrilled to offer our first-ever nonstop route to Heathrow and launch this new partnership with Virgin Atlantic."
Visit Florida chief executive Dana Young responded: "Expanding flight options and exposure to destinations throughout Florida is vital to maintaining and strengthening the UK's position as our No. 1 market for overseas visitation. This new Virgin Atlantic service will provide more opportunities for UK travellers to experience the vibrant and growing city of Tampa, which offers a dynamic food scene, sports, arts and culture and much more."
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