Newquay to London flights resume under Skybus
Flights between Newquay and London are set to resume this month, reports BritPanorama. Isles of Scilly carrier Skybus has agreed a deal with Cornwall Council to take over the route from Sunday, November 23, on a short-term contract.
The airline will initially offer daily flights, increasing to twice-daily services from mid-February. The service had been cancelled following the collapse of the previous operator, Eastern Airways.
The route operates under a Public Service Obligation, which sees Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport provide financial support, if necessary, to ensure the service is maintained.
Cllr Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, expressed satisfaction with the swift arrangement of a replacement operator, particularly highlighting a Cornish company stepping in. “It has been a difficult time, with disruption for many people who use the service and had already booked flights, so I am pleased this announcement will help end the uncertainty around this vital connection to the capital,” he stated.
Skybus has been operating in Cornwall for more than 40 years and provides a year-round service to and from the Isles of Scilly. Managing director Jonathan Hinkles indicated he was “wholly confident” the Newquay to Gatwick route could once again become a “thriving cornerstone” of the local economy.
“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,” he said. “Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve.”
Cllr Tim Dwelly, the council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration and investment, added, “Our priority was to get the service back up and running as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for passengers. Restoring this route helps maintain the confidence of the business and tourism sectors, and it’s welcome that a Cornish company has the capability to step in and deliver during this interim period.”
The reinstatement of this route underscores a broader commitment to connectivity in the region, reflecting both the resilience of local enterprises and the ongoing demand for air travel services in Cornwall. As Skybus charts its course forward, the emphasis will undoubtedly be on operational reliability and regional economic recovery.
