(LONDON HEATHROW) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) customers can now book seats on Virgin Atlantic flights to Dubai and the Maldives under an expanded codeshare that opened for sales on October 6, 2025, with first travel from October 8, 2025. The agreement places SAS’s SK code on selected Virgin Atlantic departures from London Heathrow, giving travelers in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway a single booking path to two of the most sought-after winter-sun destinations.
The move follows both carriers’ membership in SkyTeam, helping frequent flyers link their points and benefits across the partnership while keeping itineraries simple and schedules aligned for tight connections at Heathrow. The arrangement builds on the initial bilateral codeshare launched in October 2024, which has now been deepened into a broader commercial partnership.
As part of this expansion, SAS customers gain access to Virgin Atlantic’s daily long-haul services operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with schedules designed to work for evening departures from London. Both the Dubai and Malé services increased from seasonal operations to daily frequency on October 27, 2024, and now run year-round, widening options for leisure travelers, visiting friends and family, and Scandinavians arranging special trips in peak holiday months.
Route and schedule details
SAS customers can book the following Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow (LHR) using the SK code through SAS sales channels:
- Dubai (DXB), operated daily by Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9:
- VS400: Depart LHR 22:00, arrive DXB 09:10+1
- VS401: Depart DXB 11:00, arrive LHR 15:05
- Maldives (Malé, MLE), operated daily by Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9:
- VS384: Depart LHR 18:25, arrive MLE 09:45+1
- VS385: Depart MLE 12:00, arrive LHR 18:20
For many travelers coming from Stockholm Arlanda, Copenhagen, and Oslo, these evening departures from Heathrow support same-day connections on SAS, reducing overnight stays in London and opening clearer paths into the Middle East and Indian Ocean. Return timings allow for daylight arrivals back into Scandinavia after clearing Heathrow, which often helps families and business travelers plan ground transport with less stress.
Network expansion beyond Dubai and the Maldives
Beyond Dubai and the Maldives, the expanded codeshare extends access to Virgin Atlantic’s network in South Africa, notably Cape Town and Johannesburg, under SAS flight numbers. This expansion marks a wider opening of long-haul leisure routes for the Nordic market. The partners have signaled that more destinations will be added, building on the momentum created since their first codeshare cooperation last year.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the widening scope points to steady coordination between the two carriers as they align schedules, sales, and loyalty benefits within SkyTeam.
What the expanded codeshare means for travelers
The codeshare flights are available for booking through SAS channels, keeping the purchase experience familiar for EuroBonus members and regular SAS customers. Because both airlines are part of SkyTeam, passengers benefit from linked loyalty programs.
Key loyalty and elite benefits:
– SAS EuroBonus members can earn and redeem points on Virgin Atlantic flights.
– Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can earn and redeem points on SAS services.
– Reciprocal elite recognition with benefits such as SkyPriority and lounge access at major airports (London Heathrow, Stockholm Arlanda, Copenhagen, and Oslo).
Practical travel advantages:
– Daily schedules offer more choice and consistency for families, honeymooners, and residents visiting relatives.
– The 22:00 Heathrow departure to Dubai fits workday schedules; the 18:25 Malé departure offers an earlier evening option.
– Return legs arrive mid-afternoon or early evening in London, easing onward connections to Scandinavia.
– Use of the Boeing 787-9 provides a modern cabin, quieter experience, and stable operations on long-haul sectors.
The partnership also expands access to South Africa at a time when demand from Northern Europe for long-haul leisure travel remains steady. By placing the SK code on Virgin Atlantic flights, SAS can present customers with additional long-haul options beyond its own metal while keeping booking, schedule display, and loyalty accrual inside the SAS ecosystem.
“More destinations will be added soon” — the airlines have flagged further growth opportunities on long-haul leisure routes that start or end at Heathrow.
Travel planning and important checks
Travelers should plan for immigration and transit needs, especially when changing flights at London Heathrow. Some nationalities may require a UK transit visa for connections.
- Before booking, check the official UK government guidance on transit visas: https://www.gov.uk/transit-visa
- Always confirm documentation requirements for each country on your route, including the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and the Maldives.
Booking window and timing
The booking window opened on October 6, 2025, with travel from October 8, 2025, giving SAS customers immediate access to the winter 2025–26 period. This timing is important for those planning December and New Year holidays, as daily frequencies reduce the uncertainty tied to seasonal services.
The daily pattern on both routes — established in late October 2024 — is now embedded in the schedule, and the 787-9’s range and comfort profile match these long flights over the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Practical takeaway
For travelers in Scandinavia who prefer to book through SAS:
– You can now fly to Dubai or the Maldives on Virgin Atlantic metal while keeping the booking and loyalty processes within SAS.
– The same applies to destinations in South Africa under the widened codeshare.
– Expect clear flight times, reciprocal elite perks (SkyPriority and lounges), and the ability to earn and redeem points across EuroBonus and Flying Club.
Keep an eye on future announcements, as the partners have indicated plans to add more destinations under the SAS SK code from London Heathrow once operational details are ready.
This Article in a Nutshell
SAS has extended its codeshare with Virgin Atlantic to include daily long-haul flights from London Heathrow to Dubai (DXB) and Malé (MLE), placing the SK code on selected Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 services. Bookings opened October 6, 2025, with travel starting October 8, 2025. The expansion follows an initial bilateral codeshare from October 2024 and upgrades previously seasonal routes to year-round daily operations. The agreement also opens SAS sales access to Virgin Atlantic’s South African network and links loyalty benefits between EuroBonus and Flying Club, offering reciprocal elite recognition, SkyPriority, and lounge access. Travelers should check transit visa and documentation requirements for the UK, UAE, and Maldives.
