The daily service from Heathrow to Sao Paulo was due to start on May 13 2024 but will now begin at an unspecified date in summer 2025. This is the second delay to the route launch, with Virgin having originally aimed for a 2020 start, which was then halted by the pandemic.

Juha Jarvinen, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said: “We regularly review our network to ensure it’s as strong and efficient as possible. 

“Following a review of our upcoming flying programme for 2024, we will be moving the start of our highly anticipated Sao Paulo services to 2025. 

“We remain committed to flying to Brazil and look forward to welcoming our business and leisure travellers onboard.”

Sao Paulo is Brazil’s commercial capital and aviation hub and its greater metropolitan area has a population of around 22 million, making it an important route for both leisure and business.