Skybus rescues Newquay to London flights

Cornish company to operate daily services

Skybus, the airline of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, will operate the essential air service connecting Cornwall Airport Newquay with London Gatwick. The news comes after Eastern Airways, which has operated the route since 2021, suspended operations at the end of October.

Tickets go on sale from today (Friday, November 7), with the first flight scheduled to take off on Sunday, November 23. Skybus was awarded the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to operate the essential route by Cornwall Council following the collapse of Eastern Airways.

A refreshed timetable of flights will operate daily from November 23 and will gear up to twice-daily services on weekdays from February 14, 2026. Skybus will operate the route using a 70-seat ATR72 aircraft – the world’s most popular regional turboprop aircraft – marking a significant step-up from the much-loved smaller aircraft Skybus flies on the Isles of Scilly’s lifeline air routes.

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 critical dependable air links are for our region. We’re proud to step up to 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.”

Cllr 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 are available to book now at www.skybus.co.uk, the new website launched today to handle bookings for the service.