Virgin Atlantic is deepening its commitment to India as the market becomes the carrier's fastest-growing outside the United States, driven by surging premium outbound demand across business, leisure, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments. In an exclusive interview with Travelmao, Shivani Singh Deo, Country Manager – India for Virgin Atlantic, outlined the airline's strategy to expand connectivity, strengthen trade partnerships, and cater to evolving traveller preferences.
India as a Strategic Growth Hub
Deo described India as one of Virgin Atlantic's most important growth markets, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, a rising middle class, and increasing appetite for premium international travel. The airline currently operates direct services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to London Heathrow, with seamless onward connections to North America and beyond via its transatlantic network and joint venture partnerships.
“India is not only a growth market in its own right, but also a strategically important market for building stronger connectivity across our wider global network,” Deo said. “We continue to invest in the market with a clear long-term commitment to growth, premium service and customer relevance.”
The IndiGo partnership extends Virgin Atlantic's reach beyond major metros, feeding passengers from secondary Indian cities into its long-haul flights. This interline agreement is a key component of the airline's India strategy, enabling it to tap into the country's vast domestic network.
Bengaluru's Rising Role
Bengaluru has emerged as a central pillar of Virgin Atlantic's India expansion. The city, often called India's Silicon Valley, is a global technology hub with a highly connected customer base and strong demand for premium travel. Virgin Atlantic has increased frequencies to Bengaluru, reinforcing its presence in South India.
“Bengaluru plays a central role in our India strategy,” Deo noted. “It is one of India's most dynamic business cities, with a strong technology ecosystem, a globally connected customer base and growing demand for premium international travel.”
The increased frequency gives customers greater flexibility and supports both business and leisure demand. Bengaluru complements services from Delhi and Mumbai, giving Virgin Atlantic a strong network presence across India's key aviation markets. The city also serves as a gateway to connect India's tech sector to the airline's transatlantic network via London Heathrow.
Premium Outbound Demand: A Unique Evolution
Deo highlighted that the evolution of premium outbound travel demand from India is “uniquely dynamic” compared to many other Asian markets. Unlike some markets where premium demand is concentrated in specific segments, India's growth is broad-based, spanning business travellers from Bengaluru's tech hub, leisure travellers from Delhi and Mumbai, and a rising preference for premium cabins across demographics.
“Our customers are increasingly seeking thoughtful experiences, from our Upper-Class social spaces to innovations like free fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi and refurbished Clubhouses emphasising wellness and productivity,” Deo said. This positions India not just as a regional growth story, but as a global benchmark for premium outbound travel demand.
The airline's focus on premium experiences aligns with broader industry trends, such as the rise of younger high-net-worth individuals seeking customised luxury, as seen in the polar cruise sector. For more on that trend, see Younger HNWIs and Custom Menus Drive Polar Luxury Boom in India and SE Asia: Ponant.
Diverse Traveller Segments Driving Growth
Virgin Atlantic is seeing strong growth across multiple traveller segments. Corporate and premium small and medium enterprise (SME) travel remains particularly important, as India's business centres expand and companies seek reliable, premium global connectivity. Luxury leisure is also growing strongly, supported by an aspirational customer base looking for premium travel to the UK, Europe, and North America.
VFR and student traffic continue to be important demand pillars. These segments value connectivity, convenience, and trusted service. “Overall, we are seeing the strongest momentum in segments where customers are looking for both premium service and seamless global reach,” Deo said.
Trade Partnerships and Technology
Partnerships are central to Virgin Atlantic's success in India. The airline continues to invest in relationships with online travel agencies (OTAs), consolidators, and travel management companies (TMCs). Its approach combines strong account management, market-relevant product training, and close collaboration to ensure customers are reached effectively.
Technology also plays a key role. Virgin Atlantic is rolling out free fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi, a move that mirrors similar initiatives by other carriers. For context on the broader rollout, see United Accelerates Starlink Rollout on Transatlantic Widebody Fleet.
Deo emphasised that Virgin Atlantic remains committed to delivering seamless premium experiences, navigating geopolitical disruptions, and strengthening connectivity between India, the UK, North America, and the wider global network. With India's outbound travel market showing no signs of slowing, the airline is well-positioned to capture a growing share of premium travellers.
