A brand-new flight route connecting the East of England to the Cornish coast has officially taken off, as London Southend Airport celebrated the inaugural Eastern Airways flight to Newquay, Cornwall on 3 April – complete with cream teas served in the sky.
Passengers on the first flight were treated to a uniquely British celebration. In true tongue-in-cheek style, the airline served up a classic cream tea at 30,000 feet – but with a twist. Essex brought the jam, Cornwall brought the cream, and passengers were invited to settle the age-old debate once and for all: which goes on first?
The tasty treats were courtesy of a collaboration between two iconic local producers – Trewithen Dairy of Cornwall and Tiptree Jam of Essex – bringing a local flavour to the sky-high experience.
The new route offers up to seven flights a week, providing a speedy and scenic alternative to the long drive down the M5. The flight takes just 90 minutes, opening up easier access to one of the UK’s most beloved holiday destinations.
The Flight schedule:
| Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| London Southend → Newquay (Mon–Sat) | 14:00 | 15:30 |
| Newquay → London Southend (Mon–Sat) | 11:45 | 13:15 |
| London Southend → Newquay (Sunday) | 14:35 | 15:55 |
| Newquay → London Southend (Sunday) | 12:45 | 14:05 |
Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, said the new connection is a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing growth:
“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, echoed the excitement:
“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.
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’re after a summer beach break, a Cornish getaway, or a city escape to Southend.”
Cornwall Airport Newquay is also celebrating the new connection, with Interim Managing Director Amy Smith adding:
“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. This new connection further strengthens our UK network, offering even more convenient travel options this summer season.”
Once in Newquay, visitors will find themselves at the heart of one of the UK’s most stunning coastal regions. From the world-famous surf of Fistral Beach to the eco-wonders of the Eden Project, there’s something for every kind of traveller.
Nature lovers can lace up their walking boots and head off on the South West Coast Path, which winds its way along dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and wide sandy beaches. Foodies won’t want to miss Padstow, home to some of the country’s top seafood restaurants, or St Ives, where golden sands meet art galleries and a vibrant cultural scene.
With flights taking off from London Southend every day of the week, this new route offers a quick, convenient and memorable escape to Cornwall – whether for a weekend surf trip, a countryside ramble, or simply a good old-fashioned British seaside holiday.