Virgin Atlantic is strategically returning to Canada in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion. The airline has announced an enhanced partnership with WestJet, a Calgary-based carrier, to support its re-entry into the Canadian market. The codeshare agreement, set to take effect on March 30, 2025, will coincide with Virgin Atlantic’s new London-Toronto route launch.

 

Codeshare agreements enable airlines to sell seats on one another’s flights using their flight numbers. This benefits passengers by offering seamless travel experiences, including single-ticket itineraries and more efficient baggage handling. For the airlines, it broadens their customer base and enhances sales potential.

Aiming for the Lucrative Indian Market

While the new codeshare agreement supports Virgin Atlantic’s London-Toronto route, the airline has a broader vision: tapping into the rapidly growing Indian aviation market.

 

Canada has one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 1.7 million people of Indian origin reside in Canada. India is Canada’s top source country for new permanent residents, accounting for around 25% of all admissions in recent years. The demand for flights between Canada and India continuously increases, fueled by business travel, family visits, and growing student populations.

 

Air Canada and Air India currently provide nonstop flights between Toronto and Delhi. However, there are no year-round nonstop services to Mumbai. Additionally, routes from other Canadian cities often require a stopover in London or the Middle East, adding to overall journey times.

 

Virgin Atlantic’s extensive Indian network—which includes daily flights from London to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru—positions the airline as a key player in bridging this gap.

 

Through the codeshare with WestJet, Virgin Atlantic aims to funnel Canadian travelers via Toronto and London to its Indian destinations. Virgin’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, has identified India as a “huge opportunity” and anticipates continued growth in Indian travel demand.

India Is Key to Virgin Atlantic and WestJet’s New Partnership

Photo from WestJet

Overcoming Regulatory Challenges

Despite the promising outlook, the current WestJet-Virgin Atlantic codeshare agreement does not yet include Indian routes. The two airlines have confirmed that regulatory approvals are still pending for WestJet to place its flight code on Virgin’s India-bound services. A WestJet spokesperson has stated that efforts are underway to secure the necessary permissions.

 

If approved, the agreement could unlock significant benefits. For example, a traveler from Edmonton could book a single itinerary with WestJet from Edmonton to Toronto, then transfer to Virgin Atlantic for flights to London and onward to India. Such connectivity improvements would attract passengers seeking convenient one-stop journeys to South Asia.

 

This development also ties into the broader trend of airline partnerships in India, with carriers increasingly working together to strengthen intercontinental travel links.

Improved Transit Experience at Toronto-Pearson International Airport

Virgin Atlantic and WestJet will co-locate at Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport as part of the expanded partnership. This move is expected to streamline the transit experience, making connections smoother for passengers traveling between the carriers. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will also collaborate to support efficient passenger transfers.

 

The co-location strategy aligns with the growing industry trend of improving connectivity for international travelers. By reducing transit complexities, the new setup enhances the overall passenger experience and strengthens the competitiveness of the Virgin Atlantic WestJet partnership.

Virgin Atlantic’s Broader Expansion Plans

India Is Key to Virgin Atlantic and WestJet’s New Partnership

Photo from Virgin Atlantic

In addition to re-entering the Canadian market, Virgin Atlantic has announced several new routes as part of its 2025 global expansion strategy:

 

  • London to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (March 2025, Airbus A330neo)
  • London to Accra, Ghana (May 2025, Boeing 787 Dreamliner)
  • London to Cancun, Mexico (October 2025, Airbus A350-1000)

 

The airline’s expansion efforts and the WestJet international expansion position Virgin Atlantic to capitalize on shifting travel patterns and growing global demand. 

 

Traveling requires careful planning to secure the best deals, especially with the growing demand for flights between Canada, the UK, and India. While Virgin Atlantic and WestJet are expanding their networks, savvy travelers can use platforms that offer exclusive discounts on flights and hotels. 

 

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