TRAVELLERS will soon be able to fly between a popular town in Cornwall and a major London airport once again.
The previously suspended route operated by Eastern Airways, which fell into administration earlier this month, is being reinstated in a matter of days.
Eastern Airways had operated flights between the seaside town of Newquay in Cornwall and London Gatwick seven times per week.
But in early November when the regional airline fell into administration, the route was temporarily cancelled.
Now, Cornwall Council has secured a temporary agreement with Skybus to take on the route on a short-term contract, with flights resuming on November 23.
The Skybus service will operate daily with plans to increase to twice-daily flights on weekdays from 14 February 2026.
Skybus will operate the route on its ATR72 aircraft, which has room for 70 passengers. The average flight time is around one hour and 20 minutes.
Leader of Cornwall Council, Councillor Leigh Frost said: “We’re pleased Skybus has worked with us so closely to get this over the line as quickly as possible to ensure that lack of service wasn’t prolonged.
“We know the train line into Cornwall is not great and other routes of transport are really difficult so we need that secure route so Cornwall can access the rest of the world.”
Skybus will operate the route initially until mid-2026 as Cornwall Council is seeking a permanent airline to take on a four-year tender.
Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.
Eastern Airways took over operations in 2020 until its collapse earlier this month.
Eastern Airways launched in 1997 and had been one of the UK’s remaining regional airlines, with services across England and Scotland.
Regional routes across the UK included Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teesside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million, which was £4.8million higher than 2023.
While Skybus is taking on the new route between Cornwall and the capital, it’s no stranger to Newquay airport having been flying from there to the Isles of Scilly for over 30 years.
Skybus runs services to the Isles of Scilly, with flights from Newquay, Land’s End and Exeter.
The airline’s owner, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) also operates boats to the islands.
Plus, here are the pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall.
For alternatives to Cornwall, one travel writer would encourage Brits to head to her county instead.
Check out these attractions in Newquay…
One writer visited Newquay during the summer and revealed their highlights…
“The open-air tropical room is a big highlight of Newquay Zoo. Birds fly completely freely among visitors and the lack of cages makes for a different experience than that of a traditional zoo.
“Here we watched a penguin feed on krill, saw a roaming peacock take up residence atop a bin and were charmed by the little squirrel monkeys swinging from ropes.
“We were staying at the Newquay Beach Hotel, which perfectly blends solid hotel basics with convenient extras like the Abangamba play room — a kids’ club with toys and games — and decorative flair.
“If you’re after food with a view, then the Stables pizza restaurant on Fistral beach might be the most beautifully placed UK restaurant I have ever enjoyed.
“And Newquay is surrounded by pretty beaches, no matter which direction you potter in. Towan Beach, slightly to the west of Newquay’s main hub, is a great spot for lounging, cave exploring and taking a paddle.
“And overlooking this lively stretch is the Blue Reef Aquarium, a must for anyone with little ones.