Flights from Cornwall to London Gatwick to resume in just over three weeks
Cornwall Council will receive up to £1.8m over two years, in a reinstated Public Service Order agreement
Last updated 22nd Nov 2021
The government has announced a MAJOR investment package to reinstate regular flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay to London.
Cornwall Council will be given up to £1.8m over two years under a new Public Service Order agreement.
Ministers say the reinstated PSO agreement will create hundreds of jobs and keep people connected as we 'Build Back Better' from the pandemic.
Flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay to London Gatwick will start on 15th December and will be operated by Eastern Airways.
It is one of two regional airlinks confirmed on Monday (22nd November), with £2.5m being provided to run flights from London to Dundee.
Robert Courts, Aviation Minister said: "We're maintaining these vital transport links, including the hugely popular London to Dundee and the reinstated Newquay to London routes, for people right across the country for tourism and business travel.
"The Government is fully behind UK regional connectivity and strengthening these routes as we build back better from the pandemic".
Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Philip Desmonde, said: "It is vital for our residents and business community that direct flights between Newquay and London are maintained and I welcome the news that Eastern Airways will operate our key route.
"This PSO service not only protects Cornwall’s links with London but also offers excellent connectivity around the world into the future.
"While connectivity is vital, we must seek to minimise the impact of air travel on the environment.
"The Council has worked with all parties to ensure that the environmental impact of the air route is kept to a minimum by selecting aircraft which have lower emissions and lower noise impacts, as well as aligning schedules to ensure capacity meets demand.
"Aviation forms part of the Department for Transport’s commitment to decarbonise transport by 2050, which includes a number of initiatives and commitments to enable domestic aviation to achieve Net Zero".
The government says the PSOs tie-in with its wider work on levelling up and closing regional inequalities through the UK with stronger transport links.