Newquay route saved

The vital air linking between Cornwall and London has been saved following the announcement of a four-year funding deal for flights between Newquay and Gatwick airport. 

The importance of the services were highlighted earlier this year when the rail connections were severed and even the roads became perilous.

The public service obligation (PSO) will continue a link which contributes millions of pounds to the Cornwall and south west economies. The government is providing £2.5m in addition to £300,000 from Cornwall Council.  Three flights each way will take place during the week with two weekend rotations.  Around 100,000 passengers use the route every year for work or leisure.

Flybe will operate the flights with the timings providing a convenient schedule for a full working day at either destination.

The Regional Air Connectivity Fund was announced by the government in June 2013.  The fund is being used to maintain important regional air connections.  The government doubled the size of the fund to £20m per year in the 2014 Budget.

The four-year length of the deal provides certainty to the region and marks the second UK government PSO, following a two-year deal for the Dundee – Stansted air link which was announced in June 2014. www.newquaycornwallairport.com

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