Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Virgin Atlantic welcomed back to Dubai by dnata

Aerospace

Virgin Atlantic welcomed back to Dubai by dnata

Dnata has welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s return to Dubai International Airport (DXB) for the first time since March 2019.

Image courtesy dnata

The company’s dedicated team will deliver a range of ramp and passenger services, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety for the airline and its passengers at the world’s largest international airport.
 
The UK-based airline re-commenced its flights from London Heathrow Airport on 30th October, with a four-weekly service to cater for the popular winter travel season, operating a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Eligible Virgin Atlantic customers will also have access to the marhaba-operated SkyTeam lounge at DXB’s Terminal 1.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
In the year 2018 to March 2019, the air services provider’s team welcomed and assisted almost 180,000 Virgin Atlantic passengers and holidaymakers from over 360 flights between Dubai International and London Heathrow.
 
Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, UAE and MEA, said: "We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to Dubai International. Dubai is expected to be extremely busy with travellers keen for some winter sun, and we look forward to once again working with the airline’s local team to provide their customers with a best-in-class, memorable airport experience."
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

Liezl Gericke, Head of International at Virgin Atlantic, commented: "We’ve long wanted to return to Dubai when the time was right, and we know our customers will be over the moon with the reintroduction of this popular route. Nothing sets our hearts soaring like a new destination or reintroducing an old favourite. We look forward to welcoming our customers back on board, whether travelling for business or leisure or heading back to the United Kingdom to reconnect with friends and family."
 
Virgin Atlantic has also selected dnata Representation Services to provide a comprehensive range of services to the airline as its general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE. The partnership establishes UAE-based infrastructure for local sales, marketing and distribution support, providing a full range of travel services for Virgin customers flying to and from Dubai.
 
Established in 1959, dnata offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in over 30 countries - including the UK - across six continents. In the financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 1.9 billion.

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

Aerospace

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

15 May 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on a shortlist of regulatory models that could apply to capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport.

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

Aerospace

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

14 May 2026

Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS assumes the Presidency of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) - the oldest aeronautical society in the world and the only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community - taking up the post of President following the formal announcement at the Society’s AGM this month.

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell

Aerospace Events

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell's Spitfire-inspired sculpture

14 May 2026

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Aerospace Security

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

14 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

Advertisement
ODU RT
K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard