Engine delivery delays force airline to postpone Ghana, Israel routes

Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. has announced it is postponing the restart of its Tel Aviv service and a new route to Ghana due to delays in engine deliveries from Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc.

The London-based airline now expects to resume flights to Tel Aviv in October 2025, later than its initial March target, and to launch services to Ghana around the same time, having originally planned for May.

Virgin Atlantic said it would begin contacting affected customers on Monday to discuss rebooking options.

The delays are attributed to a shortage of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines used in Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

“These adjustments are necessary due to the reduced availability of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines,” a Virgin Atlantic representative stated.

Virgin joins other airlines, including British Airways parent IAG SA, in facing similar disruptions. Last week, IAG said it had to ground some planes and cancel long-haul routes.

The UK-based engine maker, Rolls-Royce, cited supply-chain issues impacting production amid rising demand for engines and maintenance services, fueled by the recent surge in long-haul travel.

Virgin Atlantic stated it is collaborating with Rolls-Royce to mitigate the impact on its operations.