Virgin Atlantic restarts popular long-haul flight – the first time in six years

VIRGIN Atlantic has relaunched long-haul flights to a popular British holiday resort.

The new London Heathrow to Cancun flights will launch next winter, with three weekly flights.

From October 19, 2025, Brits will be able to travel from the UK's biggest airport to the Mexican destination - the only direct flight from Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic cancelled the route back in 2019, so will be the first route in six years.

Other direct flights in the UK include London Gatwick to Cancun with British Airways and Birmingham to Cancun with TUI.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Offer, Virgin Atlantic, said they were "delighted" to be offering Cancun flights again for winter sun.

They added: “Cancun has an amazing nightlife and dining scene, dreamy sandy beaches, plus it’s the perfect gateway to Mayan ruins and adventure travel in the region.

"Our new route also offers increased connectivity to the region with our codseshare partner LATAM and SkyTeam partner Aeromexico. We can’t wait for more of our customers to enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s trademark fiesta and flair, on their way to Mexico.”

Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo, said they were "looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors from the United Kingdom" to Cancun again.

One of the most famous attractions is the Chichén Itzá one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Other Mayan ruins are worth a visit, as well as a dip in one the many cenotes, which are natural water pools.

However, most Brits will want to visit Cancun for a fly and flop holiday, with the many beaches to choose from along the Mexican coastline, many on the back of the holiday resorts.

If you want something a bit more fast paced, the Sun's Showbiz Reporter Jack Hardwick visited the new Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun on the 'Las Vegas' strip of the city,

"More than half of the hotel’s 600 rooms boast breathtaking ocean views along with OTT touches such as my giant snakeskin headboard and hot tub in every room.

"The hotel even boasts a rent-a-guitar service, where a Fender can be ordered to the room free of charge.

"There is also Mexico’s legendary Coco Bongo club with everything from a breakdancing Game Of Thrones Night King to surprisingly impressive Freddie Mercury and Moulin Rouge tribute.

"Next door is the equally wild Senor Frogs, where Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee went on their first official date in the Nineties where I found conga lines and free tequila shots.

"For both the young and the young-at-heart looking for a buzzing trip away without sacrificing on home comforts, it really does tick all the boxes."

The dry season runs from December to April with highs of 32C so is the best time to travel to Mexico, although can drop to 24C in January and February.

TUI is also launching Cardiff to Cancun flights in April 2026.