For travelers in the southwest of England, the past month has been a whirlwind of uncertainty, dashed plans, and—now—renewed hope. On November 24, 2025, Isles of Scilly-based airline Skybus officially launched its new service between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick, stepping into a role that has become both a challenge and an opportunity. The route, a vital link for locals and visitors alike, has faced turbulence after the collapse of two regional carriers in quick succession. Yet, as Skybus Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles put it, "It's been one heck of a week. A week that I wouldn't wish to repeat in any way, especially for friends at Blue Islands. Even so, it's been a week of progress for Skybus which presages a bright future for our service to the community across Cornwall and beyond."
The story begins earlier this month when Eastern Airways, the previous operator of the Newquay to London Gatwick route, went into administration on November 7. The sudden loss left Cornwall residents and London-bound travelers facing a daunting five-hour train journey or even longer coach rides. The air bridge that had connected Cornwall's picturesque coast with the capital was gone, and many wondered how long the disruption would last.
But in the world of aviation, necessity breeds quick action. Skybus, a company with over four decades of experience and a reputation for serving the Isles of Scilly, swooped in to fill the void. As reported by Aerospace Global News, Skybus agreed to operate the route on a short-term basis, initially planning to use a 70-seat ATR 72 aircraft leased from Blue Islands. However, fate threw another curveball: Blue Islands, too, ceased operations just days before the planned launch, leaving Skybus scrambling for alternatives.
"Last Friday's collapse of fellow regional airline Blue Islands, which was to deliver the route on our behalf, has led to a round-the-clock effort to secure alternative aircraft and crew together with securing the regulatory approvals needed to take over where they were due to pick up," Hinkles explained. "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."
With remarkable speed, Skybus secured a wet-leased Boeing 737-800 from Ascend Airways. The first flight departed Newquay at 15:40 GMT on November 24, 2025, touching down at London Gatwick at 17:00. The return flight left Gatwick at 17:40, arriving back in Cornwall by 18:55. Despite the 180-seat capacity of the Boeing 737, only 12 passengers were aboard that inaugural journey—an ironic testament to the route's recent instability but also a sign of hope for its future growth.
The route is not just another commercial venture; it is designated as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, meaning it is subsidized by the UK Government and Cornwall Council due to its economic and social importance. As BBC reported, Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, expressed relief at Skybus's swift intervention: "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."
Skybus's commitment goes beyond simply plugging a gap. The company, owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC), already operates flights from Newquay, Land's End, and Exeter to the Isles of Scilly. Its expansion to the Cornwall-London route marks a significant step up in scope and ambition. Hinkles captured this sentiment, stating, "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."
Yet, the challenges have been formidable. After the collapse of both Eastern Airways and Blue Islands, Skybus had to act quickly to secure regulatory approvals, aircraft, and crew. The initial plan to use Blue Islands' ATR 72 fell through, forcing a pivot to Ascend Airways' Boeing 737-800 for the launch. From December 3, 2025, a 78-seat Q400 turboprop will take over the route, offering a more appropriately sized aircraft for the service. By mid-February 2026, Skybus intends to increase services to twice daily, further strengthening the link between Cornwall and the capital.
The route operates under the Aurigny Air license, though Aurigny Air Services clarified that it is only providing ground handling support at London Gatwick—not aircraft or crew. Aurigny emphasized, "The arrangement was not envisaged to entail the reallocation of Aurigny's aircraft fleet or human resources." Instead, their support is limited to ground operations, leveraging their existing presence at Gatwick for their six daily flights to Guernsey.
Looking ahead, Skybus is preparing its summer 2026 schedule and plans to launch ticket sales for the Newquay to London Gatwick route soon. Cornwall Council, which owns the airport, is overseeing the ongoing tender process to select a long-term operator for the PSO route, with the new four-year contract expected to begin mid-2026. While earlier statements suggested Skybus would switch to a permanent, Skybus-liveried ATR 72 leased from Aurigny, Aurigny has denied any commitment to provide aircraft or personnel for this purpose.
For passengers, the benefits of the revived air link are immediate and tangible. A one-way flight starts at £79.99, including generous baggage allowances, and takes just over an hour—compare that to the more than five-hour train journey, which often costs over £100 even with a railcard. As Time Out London pointed out, the speed and convenience of the flight could play a crucial role in rebuilding confidence in regional air travel and supporting local businesses and tourism.
Councillor Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and investment, highlighted the broader significance: "Our priority was to get the service back up and running as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for passengers. Restoring this route helps maintain the confidence of business and tourism sectors, and it's welcome that a Cornish company has the capability to step in and deliver during this interim period."
The broader context is sobering. The collapse of two regional airlines in as many months underscores the financial and operational pressures facing UK regional aviation. Fewer players mean less competition and potentially higher fares, but also highlight the importance of government-supported routes like this PSO service. As Skybus navigates these headwinds, its success—or failure—will be watched closely by communities across the region and policymakers in Westminster alike.
For now, though, the mood is one of cautious optimism. A vital link has been restored, and a Cornish company is at the helm. As the skies above Cornwall and London once again fill with the familiar hum of jet engines, the hope is that this new chapter in regional aviation will bring stability, opportunity, and a bit of much-needed cheer to the southwest.
