Skybus Steps In: Newquay-London Flights Secured After Airline Collapse

The vital air link between Newquay and London Gatwick is set to resume as planned on November 23rd, following the collapse of previous operator Eastern Airways and subsequent disruption from Blue Islands. Skybus, a regional airline with a strong connection to Cornwall, has stepped in to secure the route under a Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) contract.

Key Takeaways

• Skybus will operate the Newquay to London Gatwick route starting November 23rd.
• The service was jeopardised by the collapse of Eastern Airways and Blue Islands.
• The route is operated under a four-year Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) contract, subsidised by central government and Cornwall Council.
• Initial operations will be daily, increasing to twice-daily on weekdays from February 2026.
• Skybus will initially lease an aircraft from Blue Islands, with plans for its own aircraft by mid-2026.

A Vital Connection Restored

The Newquay to London Gatwick route, considered a crucial economic and transport link for Cornwall, faced significant uncertainty after Eastern Airways announced it was on the brink of administration. The situation was further complicated when Blue Islands, which was expected to provide an aircraft for the resumed service, suspended trading.

However, Skybus, a company owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, has reassured passengers and stakeholders that the service will proceed as scheduled. Jonathan Hinkles, Skybus managing director, confirmed that while a different aircraft would be used on a short-term basis, plans for the service remain on track.

Skybus’s Commitment and Operational Plans

Skybus, which currently operates services to the Isles of Scilly from Newquay, Land’s End, and Exeter, will initially operate daily flights. This frequency is planned to increase to twice-daily services on weekdays from February 14, 2026. The company is in the final stages of securing the necessary aircraft capacity, with an initial arrangement to lease an ATR-72 aircraft from Blue Islands.

Looking ahead, Skybus aims to have its own ATR-72 aircraft in service by mid-2026, operated by its own Newquay-based pilots, cabin crew, and engineers, under an arrangement with Aurigny Air Services. This expansion marks a significant scaling up of Skybus’s operations.

The Importance of the PSO Contract

The Newquay to London Gatwick route operates under a four-year Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) contract. This arrangement, subsidised by central government and Cornwall Council, ensures the route remains operational year-round, even during less profitable winter months, highlighting its importance for regional connectivity.

Cornwall Council has welcomed Skybus, a Cornish company, stepping in to provide the service. Councillors emphasised the importance of restoring confidence for business and tourism sectors and minimising disruption for passengers who had already booked flights. Skybus has expressed its commitment to rebuilding confidence and offering reliability on this vital route.

Sources

• Blue Islands collapse: ‘Flight route between Cornwall and London will still return’, BBC.
• Aurigny denies aircraft will be leased for Newquay route, Bailiwick Express.
• United Kingdom Air Connectivity Strengthened as Newquay–London Gatwick Route Proceeds Despite Airline
  Collapse, Travel And Tour World.
• Newquay to London flights set to resume as Cornwall Council agrees contract with Skybus, Cornwall’s Rewind Radio.
• Skybus to take over Newquay-Gatwick service from Eastern Airways, LARA Magazine.