British travellers seeking a reprieve from the winter gloom now have a direct route to Mexican sunshine, as Virgin Atlantic has resumed flights to Cancun after a six-year absence.
The Return of a Forgotten Route
On Sunday, 19 October 2025, a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner departed London Heathrow, marking the restart of the only non-stop service linking the UK hub to Mexico's iconic coastal destination. The airline last operated the route in 2019, making its return a significant boost for winter sun seekers.
The service will fly three times per week – on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays – with a journey time of approximately 11 hours. The seasonal route is scheduled to operate for six months throughout the winter, with the final flight currently set for 19 April 2026.
Why Cancun Ticks All the Boxes
Nestled on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is a classic beach holiday destination that caters to a wide range of interests. Visitors can enjoy pristine white-sand beaches, a vibrant nightlife scene, and explore ancient Mayan ruins nearby. For a unique experience, the region is also home to an intriguing underwater museum.
The optimal time to visit is between December and April. February is particularly recommended, when daytime temperatures can reach a balmy 30°C, with comfortably warm evenings. For those looking to explore beyond the resort, the well-preserved ruins of Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula offer a cultural day trip, while cities like Oaxaca provide an alternative, off-beat Mexican experience.
Virgin's Expanded Winter Sun Strategy
The relaunch of the Cancun route is part of a broader expansion of Virgin Atlantic's winter schedule, responding to strong consumer demand for premium leisure travel to warmer climates.
The airline is significantly increasing capacity on other key winter sun routes. Services to Dubai will be boosted by over 50%, utilising the airline's largest aircraft, the Airbus A350. This plane features a new social space called 'The Booth' for Upper Class passengers and a total of 397 seats across all cabins. Meanwhile, the carrier is adding 15% more seats on its Cape Town routes, with flights to the South African destination now running from October through April.
Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic's Chief Commercial Officer, stated: ‘Our expanded flying to Dubai and Cape Town, alongside our return to Cancun, reflects strong demand for premium leisure travel.’ He emphasised the airline's commitment to making journeys special, whether customers are seeking ‘glamour in the Gulf, culture and coastlines in South Africa or the vibrant energy of Mexico’.
Booking data appears to support this strategy, showing a 72% rise in bookings to Dubai and a 38% increase for Cape Town, indicating a notable uptick in appetite for long-haul winter escapes.
