Flights between Cornwall and London resume
Flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick have resumed, with the first flight operated by Isles of Scilly carrier Skybus taking off on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
Skybus was awarded a short-term contract to cover the route by Cornwall Council following the collapse of Eastern Airways last month. This development allows passengers to once again make the journey between Cornwall and the capital.
Flight times, baggage allowances, and check-in arrangements will remain unchanged for passengers traveling on the route, as confirmed by Skybus. The flights will be operated for Skybus by Ascend Airways, using a Boeing 737 aircraft and working under the Air Transport Licence of Aurigny.
From early December, Skybus will transition to a Q400 78-seat turboprop aircraft. The airline confirmed that all passengers will receive a dedicated email detailing the specific arrangements for their booked flights. Additionally, flights are available for booking now, with plans to introduce Summer 2026 services between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick.
Skybus has been providing air services in Cornwall for over 40 years, including a year-round service to the Isles of Scilly. Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, addressed the recent disruptions, stating, “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.”
This resumption of flights comes after the collapse of regional airline Eastern Airways, which, based at Humberside Airport, operated across the UK. Last month, hundreds of Eastern Airways’ staff were made redundant as the company grounded its services, leading to the appointment of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory as administrators. Joint administrator Jamie Miller noted that some employees had been retained to maintain the fleet as they search for ways to rescue parts of Eastern’s operations. “We would welcome any interest from potential alternative operators, or those who may have an interest in the underlying assets,” he stated.
This recent development offers renewed travel options for those relying on air connections between Cornwall and London, particularly after a challenging period. The recovery of services underscores the fragile nature of regional air travel and the necessity for robust recovery plans amid industry uncertainties.
