Virgin Atlantic Launching Riyadh Flights As Of March 2025

"I can’t help but think that something similar is going on behind the scenes between the two airlines." (DL and VS)

completely accurate, Ben.

Part of offsetting weakness and overcapacity in the LHR market is to create connections at LHR which allow DL/VS to flow traffic THROUGH LHR rather than just to /from LHR.

TLV is not a stable market for route planning and operations purposes so it is far better to count on a limited schedule at best. DL and UA have enough other places to use airplanes and slots, where they are required, but VS does not.

Riyadh Air might still serve LHR but VS' service will ensure that the service will be balanced; the other Middle East airlines disproportionately have more service than their European and US partners or competitors so Saudi Arabia is likely not to make that mistake again.

and it is also possible that Saudi Arabia is giving incentives for foreign carriers to help increase service to RUH which is part of why DL and VS are going to jump in their as soon as they can. A LHR-RUH flight is much less risky to start than one from the US

VS already codeshares on LY's LHR service, so asides the product downgrade if taking that flight, not too much of a loss. Part of me is also curious if they'll launch AUH and cooperate with EY, given VS's meager schedule to East and Southeast Asia

The reason they are adding Riyadh, like so many other airlines that are now adding Riyadh (ITA, Lot Polish) is because they will be paid to fly there under the Saudi Arabia Air Connectivity scheme.

VS' codeshare with LY parallels DL's codeshare with LY.
If the Euro flags and DL and UA can ever sustain regularly flights to TLV again, there is much more of a case for a joint venture between DL and its European partners.

The rationale can simply be demand. Many saudis go to UK since they can enter without a visa, and there are so many saudi students studying in UK. Saudia offers 4 daily flights LHR-RUH with decent load factors, so maybe virgin is trying to have a piece of the cake.
Saudia will abandon the RUH LHR route when Riyadh air launches, as SV will focus on Jeddah, so there will not be competition within Skyteam. And we dont know if Riyadh air will be in Skyteam, but considering Tony Douglas, it might not join any alliance. I dont think these plans have anything to do with DL or Riyadh air, but just trying to satisfy demand after so many route cuts

PIA is still currently banned from flying to the UK with Saudia picking up this traffic for onward connections it makes sense to add more choice especially with a possible subsidy to sweeten the deal. I expect another new route being considered is Dhaka with a quick stop in Sylhet.

Was São Paulo indefinitely abandoned now by VS?

I would be surprised if this wasn’t at least partly demand based. Aside from Saudi nationals visiting, there is a lot of high yield business travel up for grabs with consultants travelling between the two cities regularly. Business class often sells out on BA and their fares can easily exceed £7,000 return.

I’ll be happy to see Virgin fly the route especially on the A330neo!

Interesting how one of the most progressive airlines with a launch to sao paulo with a LGTBQ friendly promo cancel it and instead go to Saudi Arabia

Yes, the whole airline network planning is focused only about gender.

They go where the money is.

Walter, you're new here. Route planners don't have 'sexual preferences and proclivities' as a deciding factor in selecting a new airline route.
You must be confusing aviation for Hollywood and the television industry. Not being mean. Just being 'straight' with you.

The only shock is that it took this long for Virgin to grab a lucrative slice of the Saudi market. The UK (actually just London to be precise) is a massive market for Saudi holidaymakers, and has been so for a long time. Apart from Americans and Japanese, Saudis are by far the most prominent group I rub shoulders with in London. And they all have to fly here with some airline (just not with Virgin Atlantic.... until this announcement).

As if you are in London or rub shoulders with any prominent group lolz

Great to see Virgin Atlantic expanding its routes, especially into Riyadh! This is a fantastic move, considering the growing demand for air travel to and from the Middle East. With more direct flights, it becomes easier for travelers to explore other popular destinations in Asia. Speaking of which, for anyone planning a luxurious getaway in Southeast Asia, our Thailand Luxury Package offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're flying from Riyadh or elsewhere, Thailand's exquisite beaches, world-class resorts, and rich culture are just a short flight away. Perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Why don't they try Auckland, or Honolulu, or Orange County?

IIRC, PK will (eventually) restart UK flights again. This is old news from a few months ago and I'm not sure PK has restarted flights however I do believe they eventually will.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509446/pakistan