Virgin Atlantic has announced it will return to Tel Aviv, running its service again from 5 September 2024 and has launched a new codeshare partnership with El Al.

Virgin Atlantic Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen, said: “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this month, we know that giving our customers more choice and award-winning service in the skies is what fuels our success, alongside working with the best partners.

“Our return to Tel Aviv on 5 September will be welcome news for customers who have enjoyed our service since 2019, and this time round it’ll be strengthened by our new codeshare partnership with El Al.”

They will resume flying between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, for the first time since 11 October 2023.

Flights will operate daily on board the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft, offering connections through Heathrow to 14 US destinations, on 33 daily flights, operated by Virgin Atlantic and partner Delta Air.

Virgin started flying to Tel Aviv in 2019, saying at the time: “Israel represents a fantastic opportunity for us – the economy is booming and it’s one of the world’s leading tech hubs as well as a hub for tourists.

“We’re anticipating many business and leisure travellers flying with us between Tel Aviv and the UK as well as connecting onto the US.”

The company says its new codeshare partnership with El Al will offer more connections between the UK, US and Israel.

The two airlines will implement codeshare agreements on their London Heathrow and Tel Aviv routes, providing passengers with increased flexibility, up to four daily flights, and more options when traveling between the UK and Israel.

The partnership will provide mutual opportunities for earning and redeeming rewards for members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and El Al’s Matmid programme.

Virgin Atlantic customers will also be able to travel on El Al’s services from Tel Aviv to Heathrow and connect onwards to the US, to reach 11 US destinations on 23 daily flights.