dnata will deliver a range of ramp and passenger services to Virgin Atlantic on its return to Dubai International Airport (DXB) for the first time since March 2019.

The UK-based airline re-commenced its flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on October 30, with a four-weekly service to cater for the popular winter travel season, operating a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

From 2018 to March 2019, the global air and travel services provider's team welcomed and assisted almost 180,000 Virgin Atlantic passengers from over 360 flights between Dubai International and London Heathrow.

"We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to Dubai International. Dubai is expected to be extremely busy with travellers keen for some winter sun, and we look forward to once again working with the airline's local team to provide their customers with a best-in-class, memorable airport experience," said Jaffar Dawood, dnata's senior vice president, airport operations, UAE and MEA.

Liezl Gericke, head of international at Virgin Atlantic, said the carrier has also selected dnata Representation Services to provide a comprehensive range of services to the airline as its general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE.

The partnership establishes UAE-based infrastructure for local sales, marketing and distribution support, providing a full range of travel services for Virgin customers flying to and from Dubai.

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services in over 30 countries across six continents.

In the financial year 2022-2023, dnata handled over 710,000 aircraft turns and moved over 2.7 million tonnes of cargo, among others.