Bangkok, 19 October 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today welcomed Virgin Atlantic flight VS214 from London Heathrow at Phuket International Airport, marking the launch of a new seasonal non-stop service. Operating three times weekly during the 2026–2027 UK winter season, the route expands direct access to Phuket from one of Thailand’s leading high-value long-haul markets.
Representatives of TAT, Phuket International Airport and Virgin Atlantic joined the welcoming ceremony, greeting arriving passengers and presenting commemorative souvenirs.
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, said, “Virgin Atlantic’s new service gives UK travellers greater access to Phuket during the winter season. Under TAT’s Airline Focus and Value over Volume directions, we are working with airline and travel trade partners to convert additional flight capacity into high-value tourism. With UK visitors staying longer and spending more per trip, this connection can generate greater tourism value for Phuket and neighbouring destinations while encouraging travel beyond the island.”
The inaugural flight departed London Heathrow on 18 October and arrived in Phuket on 19 October. The service runs until 26 March 2027, departing London Heathrow on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 15.45 Hrs. and arriving in Phuket at 09.55 Hrs. the following day. Return flights depart Phuket on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11.45 Hrs., arriving at London Heathrow at 19.25 Hrs.
TAT’s London Office hosted Amazing Phuket Send Off at London Heathrow Airport, attended by Mr Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Thai Ambassador to the UK, and Virgin Atlantic representatives. Featuring Thai classical dance and Phuket-themed displays, the event marked the departure of flight VS214 with all 258 seats occupied. Virgin Atlantic also shared the celebration on Instagram.
Among the passengers were 29 Barrhead Travel representatives, led by Managing Director Ms Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, participating in TAT’s Joint Agent: Top Sellers Fam Trip. The programme offers UK travel sellers first-hand experience of Thailand’s tourism products and destinations to support future sales.
The route complements existing UK–Thailand non-stop services. Thai Airways International and EVA Air operate a combined 21 weekly flights between London Heathrow and Bangkok, while British Airways, TUI and Norse Atlantic Airways provide seasonal connections to Bangkok and Phuket from London Gatwick and Manchester.
TAT’s London Office partnered with Virgin Atlantic on a UK marketing campaign to stimulate travel for late 2026 and early 2027. Combining digital advertising, Thailand-themed promotions at Virgin Atlantic Holidays outlets, email newsletters and in-store displays, the campaign generated 9,079 bookings on the London Heathrow–Phuket route and at least 5.41 million audience exposures.
The UK ranks among Thailand’s five highest tourism revenue-generating markets. In 2025, UK arrivals surpassed one million for the first time, generating 74,515 million Baht, up 21.7 per cent year on year. From 1 January to 3 September 2026, Thailand welcomed 682,684 UK visitors, with demand showing improvement ahead of the winter season.
UK travellers stay an average of 14.18 days and spend 61,615 Baht per person per trip. First-time visitors account for 56.99 per cent and repeat visitors 43.01 per cent. Leading destinations include Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, reflecting demand for Thailand’s combination of coastal holidays, culture, gastronomy, wellness and nature-based experiences.
