Skybus has confirmed that its new Newquay–London Gatwick service will launch as planned on Sunday, 23 November 2025, restoring Cornwall’s key London link after a turbulent fortnight for regional aviation.
The announcement made on Friday evening follows the collapse of Eastern Airways and then Blue Islands, which was initially due to operate the flights on Skybus’ behalf. In response, Skybus has worked “around the clock” to secure replacement aircraft, crews and regulatory approvals.
A complex three-way arrangement
Flights from 23 November will now be operated by Ascend Airways, flying a Boeing 737, but under the Air Transport Licence of Aurigny Air Services, the Channel Islands carrier. Skybus remains the route holder and ticket seller.
This means passengers will book through Skybus, travel under Aurigny’s Conditions of Carriage, and fly on an Ascend Airways aircraft.
Skybus has a strong reputation for customer service, so the airline will no doubt want to ensure passengers experience a smooth, well-supported process.
However, Aurigny is registered in Guernsey; its Conditions of Carriage are governed by Guernsey law rather than English law. This means that compensation claims, contractual rights and passenger protections must ultimately be handled by Aurigny, even though another operator will initially provide the aircraft and crew.
Cost concerns
This arrangement is likely to be expensive, even by industry standards. A short-notice ACMI lease of a Boeing 737 is one of the most costly ways to operate a route, and each organisation involved – Skybus, Aurigny and Ascend – needs to cover its own margin and risk. That adds significant overhead to every flight.
If ticket price increases are to be avoided, the extra cost must therefore be absorbed either by Skybus or through the Public Service Obligation funding, at least in the short term. The early weeks of operation are therefore likely to be more expensive to provide than anticipated at the time the original tender was agreed.
Skybus emphasises that the 737 is only a temporary measure. The airline will move to an interim Q400 turboprop in early December, a far more suitable aircraft for the PSO requirement. In the longer term, it is understood that the service will transition to an ATR, which would offer a more efficient and sustainable solution once operations fully stabilise.
“One heck of a week… but a bright future ahead”
Writing on LinkedIn, Skybus Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles described the past week as particularly intense:
“Last Friday’s collapse of fellow regional airline Blue Islands, which was to deliver the route on our behalf, led to a round-the-clock effort to secure alternative aircraft and crew. I’m delighted, even if a little fatigued, to advise that this has been accomplished. Flight times, baggage allowances and check-in arrangements are confirmed and will not change.”
He added that the rapid progress “presages a bright future for our service to the community across Cornwall and beyond”.
Cornwall Council welcomes the restoration of the link
Earlier in the month, Cornwall Council had said it was delighted that a replacement operator had been secured so quickly after announcing that Skybus would take over responsibility for the PSO operation.
Council representatives described the route as vital for Cornwall’s connectivity, essential for business, tourism and medical travel, and highlighted the importance of maintaining regular London flights through the winter months.
Tickets now available
Flights are on sale through the Skybus website, with Summer 2026 services due to be released shortly. Skybus has also opened bookings for Winter 2026/27 Isles of Scilly routes.
A complicated start, but a crucial connection restored
With the demise of Eastern Airways, the subsequent collapse of Blue Islands and regional airline capacity stretched across the UK, the stakes for Cornwall’s London link could not be higher. All eyes will now be on Skybus and Cornwall Council to see how effectively this arrangement beds in.
With a 737 ready to fly on Sunday and a Q400 due in early December, Skybus has, however, delivered what really matters: keeping Cornwall’s London connection open and giving the South West a much-needed boost at a challenging moment for regional aviation.
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Accuracy and Disclaimer
Information in this article is correct to the best of our knowledge as of 22 November 2025. It draws on publicly available statements from Skybus, Cornwall Council and others.
This article is intended for general information and analysis only and should not be taken as official travel advice. Flight schedules, operational arrangements and aircraft types may change at short notice. Readers should confirm the latest details directly with Skybus or Cornwall Airport Newquay before making travel plans.
This page may be updated if further information becomes available.