Virgin Atlantic will suspend its Heathrow-Shanghai route in October because of the extra costs of avoiding Russian airspace.
Not being able to fly over Russia has meant flights to Shanghai are an hour longer, while the return flights are two hours longer, requiring additional aircraft and crew time.
The final service from Heathrow to Shanghai will operate on October 25 and the last flight from Shanghai to Heathrow will operate on October 26.
More: Virgin Atlantic to resume Canada flights after decade-long pause
Virgin Atlantic returns to Las Vegas from Manchester
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “After careful consideration we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our London Heathrow to Shanghai services, after proudly serving this Asian hub city since 1999.
“Our people and customers in Shanghai have been amazing since we first touched down 25 years ago and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Shanghai for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations.
“However, significant challenges and complexities on this route have contributed to the commercial decision to suspend flying to Shanghai.
“We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers and anyone booked to travel from 26 October 2024 will be offered a refund.”
The airline will be contacting affected customers from July 18 to discuss their booking and offer a refund.
The daily service to Shanghai had been suspended during the Covid pandemic and was reinstated in May 2023.
The Chinese city was the airline’s final route to return, having been hit by suspensions and closures since February 2020.
Russian airspace has been closed to UK and EU airlines since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in early 2022.