Skybus to Restart Daily Newquay–London Flights — A Boost for Local Taxi Operators

It’s not just good news for travellers — it’s great news for Newquay’s taxi trade. Daily flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick are set to return later this month, and that means more passengers, more airport runs, and more business for local drivers.

Cornwall Council has confirmed a short-term deal with Cornish airline Skybus, which will take over the route following the sudden collapse of Eastern Airways last week. The announcement came via the Cornwall Council Newsroom, reassuring both passengers and local service providers that flights will soon be back on schedule.

Cornwall Council Moves Quickly to Restore the Route

The Newquay–London link operates under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) — a scheme that allows the Department for Transport and Cornwall Council to support vital air connections when commercial operators can’t sustain them.

Under the new arrangement, Skybus will begin daily flights from Sunday, November 23, ramping up to twice daily from mid-February 2026. That’s a major win for local ground transport providers who depend on regular airport traffic.

Council leader Cllr Leigh Frost said he was pleased that a Cornish airline could step in so quickly to minimise disruption for passengers. Cllr Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, added that restoring the service helps maintain confidence in both business and tourism across Cornwall — two sectors that also fuel the local taxi industry.

Skybus Brings Back Reliable Air Links

Skybus Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles said the airline is proud to take on the Gatwick route:

“This is about more than flights — it’s about connection, opportunity, and supporting local communities. As a Cornish company with over 40 years of experience, we’re proud to operate this vital service.”

Cornwall Airport Newquay Managing Director Amy Smith welcomed the move, saying Skybus is “a trusted local partner” and that restoring the Gatwick route is crucial for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Flights can now be booked through the new Skybus website.

What It Means for the Taxi Community

For local taxi operators, the return of this key route is a much-needed boost after months of uncertainty. More scheduled flights mean more passengers landing at Cornwall Airport Newquay — and more reliable, year-round demand for airport transfers and long-distance taxi work.

Companies like Newquay Airport Taxis – Henver Cars are already gearing up to meet the expected increase in airport traffic, offering flexible, pre-booked transfers timed to match Skybus arrivals and departures.

This move reinforces how closely the aviation and taxi sectors are linked in Cornwall — and why reliable air services are essential not only for passengers but for the livelihoods of local drivers.

Forum Note

The restart of daily Newquay–London flights represents a big step toward rebuilding travel confidence in the region. It’s another reminder that when Cornwall’s transport links thrive — so do local taxi operators.

This story is based on information released by Cornwall Council and adapted for the Newquay Taxi Forum audience, with additional commentary from within the local taxi industry.

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Cornwall Council’s Taxi De-Zoning Proposal – What They’re Not Telling You

Cornwall Council are proposing to remove the six ‘taxi zones’ in Cornwall.

They present the issue as “legacy legislation”, claiming that removing the zones will “make things simpler for passengers”, “improve taxi availability and choice”, and “create a fairer and more efficient system.”
Or at least, that’s how it’s being sold.

What the Council hasn’t done is explain how this will actually work — especially for Cornwall’s rural communities.
The consultation materials are thin on evidence, light on detail, and avoid any discussion of the real impacts on taxi availability, pricing, and rural service levels.
They rely solely on Department for Transport national guidance — written for cities and general use, not for Cornwall’s unique geography and transport challenges.

The truth is, this may simplify things for council officers, but it will be catastrophic for the rural residents who make up 65% of Cornwall — that’s the hard reality.

They intend to push this proposal through on the basis of minimal information and misleading optimism, whilst hiding behind ‘official guidance’ and ‘best practice’ rather than honest debate, or any concern about its real-world consequences on the residents of Cornwall.

To give meaningful feedback to the Council’s consultation, operators, councillors, and residents first need clear answers to the real questions. These questions were put to officers on 06/10/2025, with a request for a full response by 20/10/2025. I’ll share the response when we have it:

See the questions here

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