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On Sunday, Skybus operated the inaugural flight connecting Cornwall and London, marking the start of a new service between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick. This arrangement comes after Easter Airways ceased operations last month, with Skybus stepping in through a short-term agreement to maintain the crucial link.
The route, which runs daily throughout the year, benefits from financial support provided by both the Government and Cornwall Council, as it is recognized for its economic significance. This support comes in the form of a Public Service Obligation (PSO), ensuring the continuity of the connection despite recent setbacks. Cornwall Council’s leader, Councillor Leigh Frost, expressed his satisfaction at securing a replacement airline so swiftly, and was particularly pleased to see a local company taking on the responsibility.
Skybus, owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC)—which also operates ferry services to the Isles of Scilly—already serves routes from Newquay, Land’s End, and Exeter to the islands. Councillor Frost acknowledged the challenging period caused by the sudden loss of the previous operator, noting, “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.” Complementing this, Councillor Tim Dwelly, responsible for economic regeneration and investment, emphasized the necessity of quickly restoring the service to reduce inconvenience for travelers and to uphold confidence in both the business and tourism sectors.
The first flight on the new Skybus route departed Newquay around 15:40 GMT with 12 passengers on board, despite the aircraft—a Boeing 737—having 180 seats. Skybus plans to switch to a smaller 78-seat turboprop Q400 aircraft early next month and aims to increase the frequency of flights to twice daily by mid-February. Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Skybus, highlighted the broader impact of the service, stating, “We are thrilled to launch this new service between Cornwall and London Gatwick. 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.”
Cornwall Council, which owns the Newquay airport site, is responsible for overseeing the process of selecting a new operator for this essential PSO route in the longer term. The council announced last month that a tendering process had begun to secure an operator for the next four years, ensuring the future stability of this key transportation link
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