Skybus has successfully launched its new Newquay–London Gatwick service, restoring Cornwall’s essential London connection after one of the most turbulent fortnights UK regional aviation has faced in years. The carrier, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, has delivered on its pledge to begin the route on Sunday, 23 November, despite the collapse of Eastern Airways and the subsequent failure of Blue Islands, which had initially been due to operate the flights on its behalf.
The first service marks the start of a year-round lifeline for residents, businesses and visitors. Daily flights are now in operation, rising to twice-daily weekday services from February 2026 under the interim Public Service Obligation awarded by Cornwall Council.
A complex operational arrangement
The launch comes after an intense period of operational restructuring. With Blue Islands unable to deliver the service, Skybus worked through last week to secure aircraft, crew and regulatory approvals at speed. The short-term solution is a three-way arrangement involving Ascend Airways, Aurigny Air Services and Skybus.
Flights from 23 November are operated by Ascend Airways using a Boeing 737, but under Aurigny’s Air Transport Licence, the Channel Islands carrier. Skybus remains the route holder and sells the tickets.
A costly model, but temporary
Using a 189-seat Boeing 737 on a lightly loaded winter PSO route is an expensive way to begin operations. Short-notice ACMI leasing is one of the costliest options available in the industry, and in this case, three organisations must cover their own risk and margin.
Early loads on the first flights appear to have been modest, underlining that the economics only make sense as a temporary measure while the route is relaunched and awareness grows.
Skybus, however, has confirmed that the 737 is a short-term solution. An interim Q400 turboprop is due to take over in early December, offering a far more suitable cost base and capacity level for winter operations. In the longer term, the service is expected to transition to an ATR, which would offer improved efficiency and sustainability once the route stabilises.
Assessing early viability
PSOs are most commonly associated with island communities, but they can also support remote or economically isolated regions where reliable year-round transport is hard to sustain commercially.
Cornwall is not an island, yet long journey times to London and a seasonal tourism economy place it in a similar category when it comes to connectivity.
Cornwall Council, and others, argue that a dependable air link to the capital is essential for local businesses, for access to national services, and for maintaining the region’s competitiveness through the quieter months, which is why the authority sees a continued need for a PSO on this route.
Even with that support in place, Skybus will still need to increase winter load factors on a route that has always been strongest in the summer. The subsidy reduces commercial exposure but does not remove it, and the service may continue to face financial pressure if passenger numbers remain low. Linking the London flights more closely with the wider Skybus Isles of Scilly network should help stimulate demand over time. How the balance between revenue and support evolves will be closely watched as the operation settles.
Quotes from Sunday’s launch
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “Today’s flight is a proud moment for Skybus and a major step forward for connectivity in Cornwall. This route is about more than transport – it is about ensuring people, communities and businesses have dependable access to London all year round.”
Writing on LinkedIn earlier in the week, he also reflected on the effort required to reach Sunday’s milestone: “Last Friday’s collapse of fellow regional airline Blue Islands 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.”
Amy Smith, Managing Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “This vital London connection strengthens our region’s resilience and supports our economy and tourism year round. We are delighted to welcome Skybus as our partner on this essential route.”
Fares and booking
Fares begin at £79.99 one way, including a 15 kg checked bag. Extra luggage or the FlyFlexi upgrade, offering ticket flexibility, additional baggage and fast-track security (where available), can be added from £22.50 each way. Flights are now available at www.skybus.co.uk, with summer 2026 schedules due to open shortly.
A complicated start, but the connection is open.
The collapse of two regional airlines in rapid succession, along with strained capacity across the UK market, made the restoration of the Newquay–Gatwick link far from straightforward. Yet Skybus and Cornwall Council have ensured the service launches on time, preserving a connection that many see as vital for Cornwall’s economy, tourism, and year-round access to the capital.
For Skybus, it is also an opportunity to further demonstrate its strengths as a reliable regional operator and to link London more closely with its established Isles of Scilly network. With the Boeing 737 operating for now and the Dash 8-Q400 arriving in early December, the focus will likely now shift to building demand and establishing a sustainable, long-term operation throughout 2026.
Over to you – what’s your view on this story? Please share your perspective in the comments below, or join the conversation on our Facebook Group.
New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.
Accuracy and Disclaimer
Information in this article is correct to the best of our knowledge as of 24 November 2025. It draws on publicly available statements from Skybus, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Airport Newquay, the Department for Transport and other referenced sources.
This article is intended for general information and analysis only and should not be taken as official travel advice. Flight schedules, operational arrangements, aircraft types and fare details may change at short notice. Readers should confirm the latest information directly with Skybus, Cornwall Airport Newquay or London Gatwick Airport before making travel plans.
This page may be updated if further information becomes available.