Home » Airlines News of Europe » Virgin Atlantic Leases Heathrow Slots to El Al, Doubling London–Tel Aviv Flights and Supercharging Tourism: What You Need to Know
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
Passengers moving between London and Tel Aviv are about to benefit from a significant expansion of service. Virgin Atlantic is now poised to execute a tactical realignment that combines its network ambitions with a clear view of burgeoning tourism demand. The airline will lease eight weekly slot pairs at London Heathrow to El Al Israel Airlines, with the arrangement taking effect on October 23, 2025, and extending to March 26, 2026. The leased capacity will enable El Al to elevate its London–Tel Aviv offering from the existing four weekly round trips to a twice-weekly schedule, marking a notable increase in competition at one of Europe’s busiest airports. For Virgin Atlantic, the transaction reinforces its capacity to reallocate resources while retaining long-term network flexibility.
For passengers, the lease translates into more than mere frequency; it amounts to a substantial lift in capacity on a route characterized by a demanding mix of leisure, visiting friends and relatives, and corporate travel. Customers will enjoy increased seat availability at peak travel periods, pricing that is more responsive to demand, and improved connectivity, especially for travelers routing via London from U.S. gateways to Israel. Destinations on both sides of the corridor will also feel the commercial impact of the added lift. The tourism sectors will see a rise in inbound arrivals, lengthened trip durations, and higher visitor spend, benefiting hotels, cultural institutions, ground operators, and the broader hospitality ecosystem.
The London–Tel Aviv corridor has long functioned as an essential artery for international tourism and commercial exchange, carrying millions of travelers each year. The announced service enhancements further solidify that importance and broaden access to the route, accommodating leisure travelers, expatriate families, convention attendees, and those visiting for cultural and historical reasons. Both carriers can now deploy the full strength of their existing codeshare to deliver more seamless connections that span several continents. For both the United Kingdom and Israel, these adjustments align precisely with the current rebound in global travel following the pandemic.
Tourism Gains on Both Ends
The London–Tel Aviv link is one of the busiest and most resilient mid-haul markets in Europe–Middle East travel. It serves a diverse mix of travelers:
Holidaymakers exploring cultural and historic sites in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv’s beaches, or London’s museums and landmarksPilgrims visiting Israel’s sacred locationsBusiness travelers engaged in tech, finance, and trade between the two countriesDiaspora communities traveling for family visits
Additional weekly services mean easier booking during peak travel periods like Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year, more competitive pricing thanks to increased seat supply, and better opportunities for tour operators to package London–Israel itineraries for winter 2025/26. Tourism authorities in both the UK and Israel will see the benefits in hotel occupancy, event attendance, retail spending, and cultural attraction ticket sales.
Slot Timings Designed for Travelers
The newly leased slots — arriving into Heathrow at 23:00 and departing at 23:05 — are particularly attractive to tourism planners and time-conscious travelers. They allow passengers to maximize sightseeing and business hours before departure, provide U.S. connection-friendly schedules, and suit those who prefer to rest during overnight flights and arrive ready to start their day.
El Al will operate the flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (282–294 seats) and Boeing 777-200ERs (313 seats). Both aircraft types feature modern cabins, upgraded in-flight entertainment, and service levels competitive in the premium and leisure markets.
Economic and Marketing Ripple Effect
Tourism economics go beyond just ticket sales. Increased air capacity creates multiplier effects in multiple sectors. The UK tourism industry can expect more Israeli travelers filling hotels, attending theater performances, shopping in luxury districts, and booking regional tours. In Israel, UK visitors will boost revenues in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Eilat, participate in guided heritage tours, and spend in beach resorts and culinary destinations.
From a marketing standpoint, the extra flights allow for co-branded campaigns, seasonal promotions, and festival-linked travel packages. Multi-country itineraries connecting Israel with the Middle East and the UK with Europe can be more easily sold.
Historic Air Corridor, Modern Tourism Potential
The UK–Israel air route dates back to the late 1940s, initially operated by British European Airways and El Al. Before the pandemic, over 1.2 million passengers traveled annually between London and Tel Aviv. The market has proven resilient through political and economic changes, powered by religious tourism, technology and trade links, and diaspora travel. With this expansion, both nations could recover and even surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels, especially if supported by strong promotional campaigns.
Why Virgin Atlantic Leased, Not Operated
Virgin Atlantic’s move reflects network optimization. Leasing out the slots allows the airline to focus on profitable U.S.-centric routes, avoid low-margin services in quieter months, and earn revenue from Heathrow slots without losing long-term control. At Heathrow, slot pairs can fetch up to $75 million, making leasing a valuable financial strategy. For El Al, the arrangement secures prime Heathrow access without the massive capital outlay required to purchase slots outright.
Codeshare Partnership = More Tourism Synergy
This expansion strengthens the Virgin–El Al codeshare agreement launched in 2024, giving Israeli travelers access to 14 U.S. destinations via Heathrow and UK passengers smooth connections to El Al’s network. It enables multi-city itineraries linking Israel, the UK, and the U.S., supports sports and cultural event tourism, and expands cruise passenger options for Mediterranean and UK departures.
Tourism Growth Outlook
If the winter expansion performs well, it could lead to permanent slot acquisitions, further seasonal capacity boosts, and broader tourism cooperation between the UK and Israel. Travel agencies, hotel groups, and event planners are likely to capitalize on the added capacity with new products and group travel deals well before the first flight takes off.
Traveler Benefits in Focus
Passengers will enjoy twice the weekly flight options, improved connection times, more fare competition, and additional seating for tour groups and business delegations. For leisure travelers, the late-night departures mean making the most of the day before traveling, while for the tourism sector, the increased frequency supports short breaks and extended multi-stop vacations.
Winter 2025/26: What to Expect for Tourists
London-bound Israelis will find seasonal attractions like Christmas markets, winter light festivals, and holiday theater more accessible. UK travelers to Israel will enjoy cultural festivals, mild beach weather, and heritage tours without the stress of fully booked flights. The double frequency opens more flexible trip planning, from long stays to quick getaways.
Tourism and Aviation: A Two-Way Growth Engine
This slot lease proves that aviation strategy and tourism growth go hand in hand. By using partnerships and asset optimization, airlines can boost not just their bottom lines but also entire tourism economies. More flights bring more visitors, more spending, and more cultural exchange.
Tourism-Driven TakeawaysMore capacity means greater tourism inflows for both the UK and IsraelNight slots improve convenience and maximize time in-destinationCodeshare connections expand long-haul tourism opportunitiesEconomic benefits spread to hotels, attractions, and retailPotential for long-term expansion if demand is strong
Bottom line: The Virgin Atlantic–El Al slot lease is more than an aviation deal — it’s a tourism multiplier. It connects two world-class destinations with greater frequency, creates economic opportunities, and gives travelers more choice and flexibility. Winter 2025/26 will be one of the most dynamic seasons yet for London–Tel Aviv travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the new El Al flights from London Heathrow start?
The expanded schedule begins on October 23, 2025, and will run until March 26, 2026 for the Winter 2025/26 season.
2. How many additional flights will be added?
El Al will add four more round-trip flights per week between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, doubling its frequency from four to eight weekly round trips.
3. What aircraft will be used on the new services?
El Al will operate the route using a mix of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (282–294 seats) and Boeing 777-200ERs (313 seats), both offering modern cabins and in-flight entertainment.
4. Why is Virgin Atlantic leasing its Heathrow slots?
Virgin Atlantic is focusing on network optimization and prioritizing U.S.-centric routes through joint ventures with Delta and Air France–KLM. Leasing the slots generates revenue while preserving flexibility for future route changes.
5. How will this benefit tourism?
The additional flights will increase seat availability, reduce fare pressure, and make it easier for both leisure and business travelers to plan trips during peak seasons. This will boost visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy, event attendance, and retail spending in both the UK and Israel.
6. What are the timings of the new slots?
The new services are scheduled to arrive at Heathrow at 23:00 and depart at 23:05, ideal for passengers connecting from the U.S., those maximizing daytime activities, and travelers preferring overnight journeys.
7. Is this expansion permanent?
The lease currently covers one winter season. However, if demand remains strong, it could lead to permanent slot acquisitions or further seasonal increases in the future.
8. Will codeshare benefits apply to these new flights?
Yes. The Virgin Atlantic–El Al codeshare agreement allows travelers to connect seamlessly to 14 U.S. destinations via Heathrow, as well as onward destinations in Israel and beyond.
