• Regular Eastern Airways flights from Newquay to London Southend launched on April 3rd, 2025
• This route offers passengers a fast and convenient way to travel between Cornwall and the East of England, with flights taking just 90 minutes

Newquay, Cornwall, April 4, 2025 – Cornwall Airport Newquay has welcomed the inaugural Eastern Airways flight from London Southend, which landed on April 3rd, 2025.

This new route offers passengers a fast and convenient way to travel between Cornwall and the East of England, bringing more connectivity for both business and leisure passengers. 

To celebrate the launch, passengers on the first flight were treated to a classic Cornish cream tea at 25,000 feet, featuring Cornwall’s own Trewithen Dairy Cream and Essex-based Tiptree Jam. Customers were invited to join the age-old debate – jam or cream first?

Meanwhile, London Southend Airport marked the occasion with a surf-inspired terminal celebration, complete with an inflatable surf simulator to get travellers in the seaside spirit. To add to the Cornish welcome, guests were also treated to iconic pasties ahead of their departure.

Amy Smith, Managing Director (interim), Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “We’re pleased to welcome the Eastern Airways’ flight yesterday, 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 marked the flight with a cream tea in the air, with Essex bringing the jam and Cornwall, of course, bringing the cream! This new connection further strengthens our UK network, offering even more convenient travel options this summer season.” 

Jude Winstanley, CEO for London Southend Airport said: “Coming hot on the heels of our three aircraft easyJet base launch, 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 said: “Commencing London Southend to Newquay 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.

“This is highlighted by the increasing strength of the easyJet product at London Southend with its base also launching this week. The speed of journeys to or from Greater London via the adjacent rail link, the short terminal walks and swift access on and off the aircraft offers travellers an appealing option which avoids the otherwise arduous alternatives – whether you are looking for that summer getaway by the Cornish coast, or for those people heading into Southend for a great city break, or for those going into London for daytime business travel or simply making it to that big event.”

The train journey from London Southend Airport to Southend-on-Sea is quick and convenient. Trains operated by Greater Anglia run approximately every 30 minutes, with the journey to Southend Victoria station taking around 5-7 minutes. In just 43 minutes you can reach Stratford and 52 minutes to London Liverpool Street. For a smaller, hassle-free alternative, via London Southend ensures a smooth arrival experience into central London. The Greater Anglia train service takes you to London Liverpool Street in around 50 minutes, stopping at Stratford for easy access to the Elizabeth Line and Canary Wharf.

Once in Cornwall, passengers can experience the best the region has to offer. Fistral Beach, one of the UK’s most famous surf spots, is just a short drive from the airport and perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. The Eden Project, home to incredible global gardens housed in massive Biomes, offers a unique day out, while Cornwall’s stunning coastal paths provide breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure.

Newquay also serves as the perfect base for exploring picturesque harbour towns like Padstow, known for its seafood restaurants and charming fishing port, and St Ives, with its golden beaches, thriving arts scene and the iconic Tate St. Ives gallery.

Flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay to London Southend, bookable on www.easternairways.com, take up to just 90 minutes  – offering a seamless travel experience whether for a weekend getaway, a business trip or a longer Cornish escape.

Flight schedule from 3 April:

#FlyNQY #TogetherWeCAN #FlyProperLocal

IMAGE: Cornwall Airport Newquay Managing Director (Interim) Amy Smith, London Southend Airport CEO Jude Winstanley and Eastern Airways Commercial Director Roger Hage celebrate the launch of flights between Newquay and London Southend with a cream tea in the air – with Cornwall bringing the cream and Essex bringing the jam!

About Cornwall Airport Newquay:

Cornwall Airport Newquay is one of the UK’s fastest growing regional airports, offering direct flights to a variety of domestic and European destinations. Winner of the Small Airport category at the AirportsUK Health & Safety Awards 2024, Cornwall Airport Newquay’s focuses on customer convenience and safety – providing a seamless travel experience for both leisure and business travelers. As a hub for regional connectivity, Cornwall Airport

Newquay is committed to supporting the local economy and ensuring accessibility to the wider UK and beyond. The airport also proudly hosts Spaceport Cornwall, the UK’s first licenced spaceport, offering world-leading opportunities in Future fight innovation.

For up-to-date information about Cornwall Airport Newquay’s flight network please see: https://www.cornwallairportnewquay.com/flights 

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About London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport is one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional airports, with a 133% increase in flights compared to summer 2024 and 122 departures per week. Our dedicated on-site train station ensures seamless connectivity, with a 10-minute train-to-gate time and direct services from Stratford, London in 43 minutes and London Liverpool Street in just 52 minutes. 

Renowned for sensational customer experience, we manage all key operations in-house, delivering an easy, speedy, friendly journey from arrival to departure. easyJet passengers rank us among the UK’s top airports for satisfaction and our own private London Southend Jet Centre is the fastest growing in the country.