Air travel between Cornwall and the capital has been given a lifeline after a swift agreement was reached to restore the vital connection. Flights from Newquay to London will resume operations later this month, ending a period of uncertainty for passengers and businesses.
Cornish Carrier Steps In
Following the sudden collapse of regional carrier Eastern Airways last month, which led to the suspension of the route, a solution has been found. Isles of Scilly carrier Skybus has now agreed a deal with Cornwall Council to take over the operation. The new service is scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 23, operating under a short-term contract.
The council confirmed that Skybus will initially offer a daily flight, with plans to increase this to a twice-daily service from mid-February. This route is protected under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), meaning it receives financial support from both Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport to ensure its continuity, recognising its importance to the regional economy.
Leadership and Local Business Welcome the News
Cllr Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, expressed his delight at the rapid resolution. "I’m delighted we’ve managed to find a replacement operator so quickly, and even more so to see a Cornish company stepping in," he said. He acknowledged the disruption caused for existing ticket holders but emphasised that the announcement would "help end the uncertainty around this vital connection to the capital."
The sentiment was echoed by Cllr Tim Dwelly, the council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration, who stated that their priority was to "get the service back up and running as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for passengers." He also welcomed the fact that a local Cornish company had the capability to deliver the service during this interim period.
A New Chapter for the Route
Skybus, which has over four decades of experience operating in Cornwall, is confident about the route's future. Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Skybus, said he was "wholly confident" the Newquay to Gatwick route could become a "thriving cornerstone" of the local economy once again.
"It is not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities - for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve," Mr Hinkles explained. "Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve." The resumption of this air link is seen as critical for maintaining business confidence and supporting the South West's valuable tourism sector.
