Virgin Atlantic will restart daily flights between London and Shanghai on1 May 2023.

The move follows the reopening of China’s borders to foreign nationals for the first time since 2020.

Virgin will operate flights to and from London Heathrow on a Boeing 787, offering Economy, Premium and Upper Class seating.

Fares start from £669 per person.

Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen said: “Shanghai is the final route to return following the global pandemic, restoring our flying programme to full capacity.

“Our focus for 2023 is on delivery, as we look forward to launching routes to new destinations, welcoming brand new clean, green aircraft and getting back to our best for our customers and people.”

Travellers to China do not need to show proof of vaccination, however each passenger will need to show proof of a negative PCR test and fill out a a health declaration form.

Passengers arriving from China into the UK must take a negative PCR or lateral flow test.