Budget airline easyJet is set to introduce a new seasonal summer route from London Gatwick to Newquay, providing travelers with convenient access to the picturesque beaches of Cornwall. The new route will enable passengers to reach the stunning Cornish coastline in just over an hour, bypassing traffic congestion.
Renowned for its golden sands and ideal surfing conditions, Newquay boasts popular beaches such as Fistral Beach, where surfers can be seen catching waves. Additionally, smaller bays like Tolcarne Beach offer perfect waves for bodyboarding against a backdrop of cliffs. Porth Beach, located on the outskirts of town, provides a tranquil spot with calm waters and lifeguard patrols during the summer months, making it a family-friendly destination with quaint cafes and ice cream shops nearby.
Starting from June 23, easyJet will operate the new route until August 29, offering tickets starting at £30.99 for a one-way journey. Flights will run twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays to cater to the peak summer season demand.
While the flight option presents a quicker and cost-effective alternative compared to train travel, it has raised concerns regarding its environmental impact. According to the Trainline’s calculator, a train journey emits significantly less carbon compared to a car or flight for the same distance. Despite the sustainability aspect, the convenience and affordability of air travel may attract business travelers and short-break vacationers.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK Country Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the new London Gatwick-Newquay route, aiming to enhance connectivity for travelers from the South East to explore Cornwall. Cornwall Airport Newquay’s Commercial Director, Nigel Scott, welcomed the service as a convenient and affordable means for visitors to access the region during the peak summer period.
The launch of the new route follows the cessation of Skybus services funded by Cornwall Council due to rising fuel costs and declining bookings. Skybus, operated under a Public Service Obligation, will refund passengers with existing bookings as it concludes operations this week. CornwallLive reported low passenger capacity on Skybus flights, which are partly financed by the Department of Transport and Cornwall Council.
Newquay Airport, which recorded over 407,609 passengers in 2024, offers diverse routes from airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair. Ryanair maintains a year-round service to London-Stansted, while easyJet already operates a seasonal Manchester route from the airport. International destinations accessible from Newquay include Malaga, Alicante, and Faro.
