Virgin Atlantic Launches New Flights

Virgin Atlantic is increasing its commitment to Orlando in Q3 2026, seizing the opportunity created by Aer Lingus’s axing of transatlantic routes from Manchester.

During the peak summer months, the airline will increase frequency on the Manchester-Orlando route by 7 flights per week.

The surge in capacity lifts one-way weekly capacity to more than 6,000 seats, up from just over 4,000, with the extra services to be operated by the Airbus A330-300 and complemented by the high-capacity A350-1000.

Virgin Atlantic Manchester-Orlando Details

As flagged by aeroroutes.com, Virgin Atlantic will operate several flights during the week, and while operating the likes of VS75/76, the times of departure will ultimately change depending on the day, and this will follow subsequently alongside the aircraft.

For example, the VS75/76 service will have varying departure times from Manchester: early in the week it departs at 0915, but by the end of the week it departs at 1400.

The same ongoing changes are reflected in the airlines’ Orlando departure schedule, where flights across the week range from 1545 to 2130, operated by the A350-1000.

VS075 MAN0915 – 1345MCO 333 14
VS139 MAN0915 – 1345MCO 333 x14
VS139 MAN1015 – 1445MCO 333 14
VS073 MAN1210 – 1610MCO 351 D
VS075 MAN1330 – 1800MCO 333 5
VS075 MAN1400 – 1830MCO 333 3
VS075 MAN1400 – 1800MCO 351 7

VS140 MCO1545 – 0515+1MAN 333 1
VS140 MCO1630 – 0600+1MAN 333 x14
VS076 MCO1700 – 0630+1MAN 333 1
VS140 MCO1700 – 0630+1MAN 333 4
VS076 MCO1710 – 0640+1MAN 333 4
VS074 MCO2030 – 0940+1MAN 351 D
VS076 MCO2130 – 1100+1MAN 333 35
VS076 MCO2130 – 1100+1MAN 351 7

Why Is Virgin Atlantic Doing This?

Virgin Atlantic’s decision to increase capacity on its Manchester to Orlando route in the peak Summer 2026 season is part of a direct response to Aer Lingus’ withdrawal of transatlantic services from Manchester.

At the end of March, Aer Lingus will discontinue transatlantic flights to destinations such as Barbados, New York, and Orlando, reducing operational constraints in this market compared with Dublin.

Additionally, the business has faced repeated pressure from labour strikes and cabin crew demanding higher pay, complicating its base here and necessitating a change.

This removal of flights has created a new gap in the market for long-haul connectivity from northern England.

Virgin Atlantic has positioned itself in this to capture demand and retain Aer Lingus’ customer base, alongside more, in a move that reinforces its commitment to the north and gives this part of the country the connectivity it requires but was set to lose.