Virgin Atlantic plans extra flights to Jamaica

Virgin Atlantic is set to boost its network of flights to Montego Bay from Gatwick Airport this winter, according to reports.

The carrier will offer five extra services over the Christmas period, which are expected to prove popular with Brits escaping the cold weather and also with people returning home to Jamaica to celebrate Christmas.

December 22nd, 23rd and 29th will be the dates for the first three additional flights, with the final two launching on January 5th and 6th.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said: "This route has proved very popular with leisure customers and these additional flights will provide a further boost to the region's economy, with over 2,000 passengers expected to take advantage of the extra services."

While it is not Virgin Atlantic's main base, Gatwick Airport hosts many of the airline's flights to the Caribbean, with regular services operating to Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and others.

From Heathrow Airport, the airline offers long-haul flights to destinations including Cape Town, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Sydney.