Photo: Skybus
An important ‘Public Service Obligation (PSO)’ route, flights between Cornwall Newquay Airport and London Gatwick were previously operated by Eastern Airways. However, the collapse of the regional carrier on 27 October left the route, which is subsidised by the government to support the region’s connectivity and economy, unserved.
To reinstate the route and maintain vital links for both business and leisure travellers, an expedited tender process was activated with Cornwall Council selecting Scilly Isles-based Skybus, to resume the route from 23 November 2025.
Initially there will be a single daily flight with operations gearing up to twice-daily services on weekdays from 14 February 2026. Skybus will operate the route using a 70-seat ATR 72 aircraft. The airline doesn’t currently have any of the regional turboprop aircraft in its fleet, so will source an aircraft from Jersey-based Blue Islands to resume flights within the condensed timescale.
“We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month,” said Amy Smith, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay. “We know just how important a regular, reliable service between Newquay and London is for our passengers and we look forward to working with Skybus to deliver just that going forward.”
While operations and frequency of the link scale up for Skybus, the regional carrier anticipates having its own liveried ATR72 aircraft entering service in mid-2026. It will be operated by Skybus Newquay-based pilots, cabin crew and engineers under an arrangement with Channel Islands-based Aurigny Air Services.
Photo: Skybus
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “It’s not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve. As a Cornish company with more than 40 years of aviation experience, we understand how critical dependable air links are for our region.”
He also noted that Skybus’ focus is on “rebuilding confidence and offering reliability”, as it looks to provide passengers with the service they deserve. “None of us underestimate the challenge ahead to build the Newquay-Gatwick route to be a thriving cornerstone of the local economy once more. We’re wholly confident that we can achieve this through Skybus’ record for reliability and service.”
While Skybus will maintain the London Gatwick to Cornwall route, low-fare carrier Ryanair will continue to serve Newquay three days a week from London Stansted.
Photo: Cornwall Airport Newquay.
