Virgin Atlantic will cease its London flight to Mumbai from May onwards due to the economic slowdown and excess capacity on the sector.

This is the fourth international airline in the last year alone to cease operations from the city.

"We have decided to temporarily suspend operations to Mumbai with effect from May 4. We are suspending this service until rational conditions re-emerge and it can resume service on this important route," confirmed Neha Lidder Ganju, Senior Marketing Manager- India, Virgin Atlantic Airways.

The exact number of job loses is not established yet but the company has said that its cabin crew, airport staff and cargo staff would be affected as a result.