The airline originally opened the route in 2019 but it was suspended shortly afterwards as the Covid pandemic took hold and it has subsequently been impacted by the military operation in Gaza which has particularly affected tourist traffic.

A statement from the airline said: “After careful consideration, our partners at Virgin Atlantic have taken the difficult decision to cancel services between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv.

“Virgin Atlantic will continue to serve Tel Aviv as the only UK airline to have a partnership with EL AL, Israel’s national carrier, on services between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and London Heathrow.

“The codeshare partnership with EL AL offers connections between Israel, the UK and the US, specifically to Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Atlanta.

“This allows customers greater flexibility, frequencies with up to four daily flights, choice when selecting travel between Israel and the UK and reciprocal loyalty benefits.”

British Airways currently operates flights between Heathrow and Tel Aviv, while Wizz Air serves the city from Luton.

It is possible to buy flights on the Virgin website but they are operated by El-Al.

But a word of warning – check with your airline to ensure it’s feasible and make sure you have plenty of time to undertake the exercise. There’s nothing worse than missing your connection, especially if your luggage IS on board. You also need to ensure you have the right paperwork in terms of passports and visas to make your return as trouble free as possible.

Assuming all is correct, here’s a top list

Windsor Castle: relatively close to Heathrow although needs a taxi there and back. Famous throughout the world as the country home of the British monarchy. Lots of exhibitions and historical elements as befits the world’s largest occupied castle.

Windsor Great Park: adjoining the Castle but stretching for thousands of acres in a mainly south westerly direction. The late Queen Elizabeth was a regular horse rider on the estate well into her 90s. Great for a breath of fresh air during a break in a long flight.

Runnymede: also a taxi ride but relatively close. Arguably the birthplace of democracy (the Greeks may disagree) where the Magna Carta was signed but also of huge international significance with an American air force war memorial. Very pretty spot on the banks of the Thames.

Eton: adjoining Windsor and home to the famous public school which educated prime ministers and royalty. Lovely historic buildings and well worth a gentle amble or a visit to one of the welcoming restaurants.

Paddington: Not everyone’s choice but hey, if you like a railway station, an easy visit. The Heathrow Express takes just 15 minutes from Terminal 5 or the Central Area. Have a wander around the platforms and watch trains depart for the west country as Brunel did in the 19th Century. Some lovely canal-side restaurants a few minutes walk away from the station concourse.

Bond Street: Get on the Elizabeth line and head to what is arguably London’s smartest shopping district of Mayfair. Some of those shops will give your bank account a bit of a bashing so be prepared.

Hyde Park: a brisk walk from Paddington takes you to central London’s largest park – a substantial 350 acres of greenery with the Serpentine lake at its heart. Some nice cafes overlooking the lake.

Soho: Take one more stop on the Elizabeth Line and get out at Tottenham Court Road station for an easy walk down to Soho the centre of London’s creative industries. Feel the buzz of the film industry in action and maybe even spot a celebrity or two in its narrow streets.

China Town: keep walking south from Soho and you won’t miss China Town. More restaurants than you can imagine and an aroma of delicious food that pervades the whole area which reflects Britain’s links with its former colony of Hong Kong.

Westminster: A tube, bus or taxi from Paddington and you reach Westminster, the seat of the UK government. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and a multitude of government offices create an atmosphere of work in progress. It’s possible to get a tour of the Parliamentary building but this really needs to be arranged in advance.

But that’s a shame because this mountainous country next to the black Sea, and south of Russia, has many attractions reflecting its ancient history as the gateway between Europe and Asia.

British Airways has just added flights to the capital Tbilisi as part of its summer schedule indicative of the interest in this country.

Tbilisi is one of Europe’s oldest capitals and has been the cultural and economic centre of the country for 15 centuries.

There is much for visitors to see, but the colourful domed, 17th-century baths, fed by naturally hot, sulphur water are a must, but the Metekhi Temple which sits high above the city on a cliff should also be included in any tour. The city is a veritable ancient melting pot with Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian churches, a mosque and two synagogues.

Wander into the countryside and you are spoilt for choice. There are beaches on the black Sea and and wander further to the Caucasus mountains. you look at some of the highest mountains in Europe dominated by stunning glaciers. The countryside is littered with the most remarkable and unspoiled historical buildings – monasteries, churches, fortifications.

And one should never forget that a human skull dating back 1.8 million years, the oldest ever found in Europe was discovered at Dmanisi in southeast Georgia – overturning prevailing opinion on the origins of European humanity.

A statement said that the second flight will initially be added on four days of the week, providing greater convenience and choice to guests, while enhancing connectivity to key onward destinations served by its oneworld Alliance partners, particularly in North America. By summer 2026, the airline will be operating 14 return flights per week from Muscat to London.

It’s the only airline to operate this route from Heathrow and it’s the first time it’s flown twice daily since the covid pandemic. Flights operate from Heathrow’s Terminal 4.

Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “We’re proud to restore our double-daily service to meet the robust demand from our guests. London has always been a cornerstone of our international network, and the UK represents one of our largest inbound tourism markets, so this enhancement not only strengthens our presence on this key route but also supports Oman’s wider tourism ambitions. As we continue to grow, and particularly as we prepare to join oneworld, we remain focused on unlocking market potential, while consistently delivering an exceptional travel experience.”

The enhanced schedule will see two daily flights on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, offering guests increased opportunities for same-day connections to the US and other long-haul destinations. The service will be operated by the latest generation B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring Oman Air’s signature three-cabin configuration: Business Studio, Business Class and Economy Class. 

For the newly added schedule, the outbound flight will depart from Muscat at 01:40 and arrive in London at 05:55, while the return flight will depart from London at 08:25 and arrive in Muscat at 19:35.

Now rebranded as the ‘Windsor by Heathrow’ it offers chauffeur driven car service to and from the aircraft and use of the eight private lounges in an area adjacent to the airport’s Terminal 5.

The rebranding has taken eight months to deliver at a cost of over £3 million.

With prices start at £3,812 (inc VAT) for up to 3 guests.

The Windsor by Heathrow offers a unique, luxury ‘door to door’ experience, with a chauffeur-driven, all-electric BMW taking guests from front door to plane door. Heathrow was recently awarded Best Private Airport Experience in the Forbes Travel Guide awards, highlighting its best-in-class service. 

The most popular destinations The Windsor serves include Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, Los Angeles and New York. Key Airlines include Etihad, Qatar, BA, American Airlines and Emirates, though guests travelling on First or Business Class can use The Windsor regardless of their airline or terminal. 

Charlotte Burns, VIP Lead at Heathrow, said: “The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel. From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality. From the moment you step out of your front door, to the second you board your plane, we ensure that every detail is taken care of – making your journey seamless, relaxing and unforgettable.” 

The first phase of the refurbishment focuses on The Windsor, home to eight private lounges and a stylish welcoming entrance lobby. Designed by the Oliver Burns Studio, the interiors blend “thoughtful luxury with contemporary elegance”.

The redesigned spaces feature bright and inviting aesthetics, complemented by bespoke furnishings designed in house, and crafted by local artisans. 

The spaces are accented with curated British design elements, including Axminster carpets in soft hues. Collaborations with luxury brands like Tom Dixon and Commune add layers of refinement, helping to evoke a ‘home away from home’ ambience, emphasising comfort and special details.  

Modern British artists such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Francis Bacon, as well as American icons like Andy Warhol, feature on the walls. Guests can purchase them at the click of a button, through a QR code hanging next to each artwork.   

The art collection is refreshed every two months, offering an ever evolving yet timeless experience for visitors. This month the collection features ‘Nola (White Rain 2008)’ by Banksy and ‘Diamond Dust Show (1980)’ by Andy Warhol. 

Guests can enjoy exclusive fine dining options from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, including a new signature dish to mark a new era of The Windsor; English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce and charred mandarin. Atherton has curated the menu since 2016. 

Sharon Lillywhite, Founder and Creative Director of Oliver Burns Studio, comments: “We are thrilled to have collaborated on The Windsor by Heathrow, creating an atmosphere that blends the best of British luxury with contemporary design. The space is a statement of what it means to travel well, with every detail thoughtfully considered to offer the ultimate comfort and elegance.”