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Skybus Newquay-Gatwick Service Begins
Skybus has launched a lifeline between Cornwall and London after Blue Islands’ exit.
Skybus Newquay-Gatwick launched on 23 November 2025, restoring a direct link between Newquay in Cornwall and London Gatwick after the recent closure of Blue Islands. The first flights were operated by Ascend Airways on a Boeing 737 under Aurigny’s licence; Skybus won the PSO (Public Service Obligation) contract that underpins the route.
Skybus Newquay-Gatwick: how the route will operate
Ascend Airways used the Boeing 737 for the initial launch while Skybus prepares its regional equipment and staff. The operator has confirmed the service will transition to a Q400 turboprop in December 2025, a move designed to match capacity to demand on this short sector and to preserve fuel efficiency on frequent rotations.
The PSO (Public Service Obligation) award to Skybus means the route is intended as a sustained, scheduled link serving southwest England. With Blue Islands no longer operating the city pair, the Skybus-backed service aims to limit disruption for business and leisure travellers between Cornwall and the capital.
- Key facts: Skybus Newquay-Gatwick launched 23 November 2025; initial flights by Ascend Airways (Boeing 737); scheduled shift to Q400 turboprop in December 2025 under the PSO award.
- Operators involved: Skybus (PSO holder), Ascend Airways operating under Aurigny’s licence.
Aircraft choice reflects short-haul economics: the Boeing 737 offered a quick start-up option for the launch, while the Q400 — a high-wing, twin-turboprop regional type — is better suited to lower-demand sectors, faster turnarounds and shorter runways. Skybus and partners say the change will ensure reliable connectivity for Cornwall through the winter timetable.
Passengers should check Skybus and the operating carrier for booking and schedule updates as the fleet transition is implemented. This restart of Newquay–Gatwick service is a significant regional development that keeps Cornwall linked to London while the local market adapts to the loss of Blue Islands.
