Skybus, a small UK regional carrier, is to take over the London Gatwick to Newquay route previously operated by the defunct Eastern Airways.
The important ‘Public Service Obligation (PSO)’ route was subject to an expedited tender process, with Cornwall Council selecting Skybus, to resume the route from 23 November 2025
In a major scaling up of its operations, Skybus will use an ATR 72-600 to run a single daily flight, gearing up to twice-daily services on weekdays from 14 February 2026.
The airline doesn’t currently have any of the aircraft in its fleet, so will source one from Jersey-based Blue Islands to resume flights within the condensed timescale. Skybus currently operates a small fleet of DHC Twin Otters and Britten-Norman Islanders between the Isles of Scilly and the UK mainland.
“We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month,” said Amy Smith, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay. “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.”
While operations and frequency of the link scale up for Skybus, the regional carrier anticipates having its own liveried ATR72 aircraft entering service in mid-2026. It will be operated by Skybus Newquay-based pilots, cabin crew and engineers under an arrangement with Channel Islands-based Aurigny Air Services.
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “It’s 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.”
He also noted that Skybus’ focus is on “rebuilding confidence and offering reliability”, as it looks to provide 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.”
While Skybus will maintain the London Gatwick to Cornwall route, low-fare carrier Ryanair will continue to serve Newquay three days a week from London Stansted.
A version of this story first appeared in our sister publication Regional Gateway.
PHOTO: Blue Islands
Skybus will initially operate the route using an ATR 72 sourced from Jersey-based Blue Islands.
