The flight route has now been taken over by Skybus
Flights connecting London Gatwick and another major UK airport are set to resume this month, officials have confirmed. This follows the suspension of all flights by Eastern Airways, the former carrier for these routes, before it fell into administration.
The flight route between Gatwick and Cornwall Airport Newquay has now been taken over by Skybus, a subsidiary of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. Tickets for these journeys went on sale on November 7, with the inaugural flight scheduled for Sunday, November 23.
Cornwall Airport Newquay, the county’s primary commercial airport, announced that a revised flight timetable will initially operate once daily. However, this is expected to increase to twice-daily services on weekdays from February 14, 2026.
Amy Smith, Managing Director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month. 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.”
According to Cornwall Live, a 2021 agreement between the Government and Cornwall Council saw Eastern Airways previously operating daily services between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick.
This service, understood to have operated under a four-year Public Service Obligation (PSO), was regarded as vital for maintaining Cornwall’s connection to a major airport hub and supporting the local economy. However, when Eastern Airways ceased operations last month, numerous travel plans were thrown into disarray.
On October 27, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advised customers to opt for train travel instead of heading to the airport. “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled,” Selina Chadha, Consumer & Markets Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said at the time. “Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Cornwall Airport Newquay asserts that reinstating the route will facilitate easy travel between London and Cornwall, whilst also providing people with straightforward access to Gatwick’s international destinations.
Skybus fares start from £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked baggage allowance. Customers can also purchase additional baggage or a Skybus FlyFlexi add-on, which provides extra baggage, ticket flexibility, and fast-track security (if available), with prices starting from just £22.50 one-way.
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “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.
“As a Cornish company with more than 40 years of aviation experience, we understand how crucial dependable air links are for our region and are proud to step up and operate this vital route. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing 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.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve managed to find a replacement operator so quickly, and even more so to see a Cornish company stepping in.
“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.”
Flights can now be booked at www.skybus.co.uk, which launched its new website on November 7 to handle bookings for the service. Flights for summer 2026 will be available to book by mid-November.
