✈️ London Southend to Newquay Takes Off!
London Southend Airport is pleased to announce that our inaugural flight to Newquay, Cornwall, operated by Eastern Airways, departed for the first time today on 3 April. With up to seven weekly departures, passengers can now enjoy a convenient and efficient way to travel between London, Essex, the East of England, and the Cornish coast.
🍰 Cream Tea in the Sky
To mark this exciting occasion, passengers on the first flight were treated to a cream tea at 30,000 feet, with Cornwall bringing the cream and Essex bringing the jam, in partnership with Trewithen Cream and Tiptree Jam. Travellers were invited to join the great British debate – jam or cream first on your fruit scone?
🌊 Surf Vibes and Cornish Celebrations
London Southend Airport transformed its terminal into a surf-inspired celebration. Passengers and staff tried their hand at catching virtual waves on an inflatable surf simulator to get into the seaside spirit. And of course, there were Cornish pasties – warm, flaky, and delicious – shared with guests ahead of the flight.
🗣️ What They Said
Jude Winstanley, CEO for London Southend Airport:
“Coming hot on the heels of our three aircraft easyJet base launch earlier this week, we are delighted to welcome another tailfin at London Southend with Eastern Airways’ service to Newquay. It’s great to have a domestic route back on our departure boards and where better to start than offering flights to the beautiful Cornish coast. The convenient 90-minute flight plus our easy, speedy, friendly London Southend Airport experience is a dream come true for holidaymakers looking to avoid the M5 and at least a six-hour drive from Essex.”
Roger Hage, Commercial Director for Eastern Airways:
“Commencing London Southend to Newquay today initially for the Summer 2025 season, as our second London connection to Cornwall, is because of the London Southend team promoting the facility as a viable, relevant and growing London airport with great rail connectivity outside the terminal door… Whether you’re looking for a summer getaway by the Cornish coast, a city break in Southend, or daytime business travel into London – this is a brilliant alternative to the more arduous options.”
Amy Smith, Managing Director (Interim), Cornwall Airport Newquay:
“We’re pleased to welcome Eastern Airways’ inaugural flight today, connecting the east of England and Cornwall. With demand for leisure travel continuing to grow, this route provides an easy and efficient way for visitors to experience everything Cornwall has to offer – from breathtaking scenery to famous hospitality. To celebrate, we’re marking the inaugural flight with a cream tea in the air, with Essex bringing the jam and Cornwall, of course, bringing the cream!”
🌅 Explore Newquay and Beyond
Once you land in Newquay, you’ll find yourself in one of the UK’s most iconic holiday destinations:
- Fistral Beach – a surfer’s paradise for both beginners and pros
- The Eden Project – home to lush rainforest biomes and Mediterranean gardens
- The South West Coast Path – dramatic cliffside walks with sweeping sea views
- Padstow – charming harbour town known for fresh seafood and estuary boat trips
- St Ives – golden beaches, a thriving art scene, and the Tate St. Ives gallery
🕒 Flight Schedule (from 3 April):
| Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| London Southend → Newquay | Mon–Sat: 14:00 | 15:30 |
| Sunday: 14:35 | 15:55 | |
| Newquay → London Southend | Mon–Sat: 11:45 | 13:15 |
| Sunday: 12:45 | 14:05 |
Book your flight now at www.easternairways.com