Flights to a "beautiful" holiday destination from the UK have been relaunched after six years. Virgin Atlantic has announced the return of its direct flights between London and Cancun, Mexico, which will be operational from October. The flights will depart from London Heathrow Airport after ceasing six years ago. Passengers will be carried on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and it will be the only direct link between London Heathrow and Cancun.

Flights are expected to run three times per week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight time from London to Cancun is typically between 10 and 11 hours. The route will operate for six months between October and April, offering an attractive option for a winter getaway as the UK gets colder and darker. Cancun is found on the northeastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The town has become a popular destination for tourists who go for its beaches, nightlife, and interesting Mayan history.

One travel blogger. known online as Fjords and Beaches, said that Cancun's beaches are "among the most beautiful in the world". She revealed: "The pristine, white sand and the crystal-clear, turquoise waters create a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil environment, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing."

Meanwhile, TripAdvisor ranks Cancun as the top place to visit in Mexico, thanks to its "golden beaches and perfect climate". As well as reintroducing its direct flights between the UK and Cancun, Virgin Atlantic has announced more flights to Dubai and Cape Town as part of its increased winter holiday offerings.

"As more of our customers seek out winter sun and unforgettable experiences, we’re focused on giving them more of what they love," said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic.

"Our expanded flying to Dubai and Cape Town, alongside our return to Cancun, reflects strong demand for premium leisure travel, as we whisk our customers to their next adventure. Whether it’s glamour in the Gulf, culture and coastlines in South Africa or the vibrant energy of Mexico, Virgin Atlantic is here to make every journey feel special, from take-off to touchdown."

Cancun is generally considered safe to travel to, but the UK Foreign Office does offer some advice for UK tourists heading to the popular resort destination. The FCDO warns tourists to be cautious when in downtown Cancun, urging them to stay in popular tourist zones.

The Foreign Office says: "Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists."