Virgin Atlantic will launch a new service to Chicago next spring, it was announced today.

The daily flights from Heathrow will begin on April 23, making the mid-west American city Virgin's 28th destination worldwide.

Last year, 1.86 million travellers flew between Heathrow and Chicago, making the Illinois destination the third most popular from London for long-haul travellers after New York and Dubai, according to the British Airports Authority.

Virgin also announced today that it would start a second daily service between Heathrow and Washington DC from April 24, 2007.

Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin chairman, said today: "We can't wait to fly to Chicago. With its mix of business hotels and conference centres, and extensive festivals and events, Chicago is the ideal location for our business and leisure travellers."