EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Atlantic cancels Sao Paulo before flights even start (for the 2nd time)
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Earlier this year, Virgin Atlantic confirmed it would (re-)launch flights to Sao Paulo after earlier plans were nixed by covid. It was to be Virgin Atlantic’s first foray into South America.
The plan was to launch in May 2024 with a daily, all year, service.
Readers with long memories will remember that Virgin Atlantic originally announced this route in March 2019, to launch in March 2020. We already had our invitation to join Sir Richard Branson on the inaugural flight before covid scuppered the plans.
Virgin Atlantic has now cancelled the route for a second time. This is just three months after tickets went on sale and six months before flights are due to start.
To be more accurate, it is ‘postponed’ – but postponed for a year.
This is what the airline says:
As we continue expanding our flying programme in 2024, we have had to make careful decisions about our network. As a result, we have decided to postpone the launch of our new service between London Heathrow and Sao Paulo until 2025. We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.
We are committed to flying to Brazil and look forward to welcoming you onboard in the Summer of 2025.
With tickets only having been on sale for three months, and with flights not due to start until next May, it would be odd if the flights had been pulled due to poor sales. That said, this is a route where Virgin Atlantic will compete with both British Airways and LATAM.
It is also a long route, and one aircraft could do two runs to the US East Coast, Middle East or Israel in the time taken for one trip to Brazil. Perhaps Virgin Atlantic is facing issues with aircraft out for maintenance checks? It could also be down to something else entirely, such as regulatory issues.
Whatever the reason, I will have to pack away my samba gear for another 12 months.
There is no announcement on the Virgin Atlantic website, except for the fact that the Sao Paulo page here now says ‘Flights commence summer 2025’.
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How to earn Virgin Points from UK credit cards (April 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Virgin Points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
You can choose from two official Virgin Atlantic credit cards (apply here, the Reward+ card has a bonus of 18,000 Virgin Points and the free card has a bonus of 3,000 Virgin Points):
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Mastercard
18,000 bonus points and 1.5 points for every £1 you spend Read our full review
Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard
3,000 bonus points, no fee and 1 point for every £1 you spend Read our full review
You can also earn Virgin Points from various American Express cards – and these have sign-up bonuses too.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for a year and comes with 20,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 20,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with 50,000 Membership Rewards points, which convert into 50,000 Virgin Points.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
Small business owners should consider the two American Express Business cards. Points convert at 1:1 into Virgin Points.
American Express Business Platinum
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
American Express Business Gold
20,000 points sign-up bonus and FREE for a year Read our full review
Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Virgin Points.
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