Daily flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London are set to resume later this month after Cornwall Council agreed a short-term contract with Cornish airline Skybus.
The move follows the collapse of Eastern Airways at the end of October. The regional carrier, which operated the Newquay to London Gatwick route, suspended all flights while taking steps towards administration.
The route operates under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which allows Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport to provide financial support if required to maintain the service.
Skybus will act as the interim operator, running daily flights between Newquay and London Gatwick from Sunday 23 November, with the service expected to increase to twice daily from mid-February.
Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost said the authority was pleased to have secured a replacement operator quickly, particularly a Cornish company.
“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 said.
Councillor Tim Dwelly, the council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration and investment, said restoring the route would help maintain confidence in business and tourism sectors.
“Our priority was to get the service back up and running as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for passengers,” he said.
Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the company was “thrilled” to launch the new service.
“It’s not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities for businesses, tourism and local communities,” he said.
Amy Smith, managing director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said Skybus was the airport’s longest-serving airline partner and would “deliver a regular, reliable service” between Cornwall and London.
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