Rail company offers free travel to passengers affected by airline collapse

Rail company GWR is offering free train travel to passengers affected by the collapse of Eastern Airways.

The airline, which operated the council-subsidised Newquay to Gatwick route, went into administration on Monday and suspended all flights.

On Monday, in a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority said:

“Eastern Airways, which operated regional services from airports across the United Kingdom, has suspended operations. All Eastern Airways operated flights are now cancelled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating.

“Eastern Airways customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.”

Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced it is providing free Standard Class travel to Eastern Airways customers and staff affected by the airline’s collapse.

The scheme, which mirrors that offered by national train operators, is in place today and tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 October) for journeys between Newquay and London Gatwick, helping those left stranded after the airline suspended operations.

Passengers simply need to show either a valid Eastern Airways boarding pass, flight confirmation, or staff ID to GWR station or on-board staff to arrange travel.

GWR Operations Director Richard Rowland said:

“We understand how difficult it must be for those affected by the sudden suspension of Eastern Airways flights. We’re pleased to be able to step in and help customers and staff complete their journeys, ensuring they can get to where they need to be.”

The arrangement mirrors similar support being offered by other train operators across the country, coordinated through the Rail Delivery Group.

The leader of Cornwall Council, Councillor Leigh Frost, has confirmed there will be a short-term loss of air service between Cornwall and London.

Councillor Frost said the council was aware of the situation and that plans to appoint a new operator were already in progress.

“Eastern’s contract was coming to an end, and therefore the process to appoint a new operator is already well underway. There will be a short-term loss of service of around a month until an interim provider is in place, but we hope to have new arrangements confirmed shortly to ensure this vital air link continues to connect Cornwall with the capital.”

The route operates under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) agreement, which ensures a regular air link between Cornwall and London is maintained.