New direct flights to Cornwall will save hours on the roads
EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT INTRODUCING ROUTE FOR HOLIDAYMAKERS IN FEBRUARY
A NEW daily service from East Midlands Airport to Cornwall Airport in Newquay is set to launch next year and will be perfect for holidaymakers wanting to avoid hours in the car on the M5.
The route, which will run daily, is being operated by Eastern Airways.
The flights are set to begin on Friday, February 10, in time for the half-term break. The flight time from East Midlands Airport in Castle Donington to Newquay is just over an hour, operating on a low-emission 72-seat ATR aircraft.
The route will save hours in the car going by road. It takes just under five hours to travel from Burton to Newquay by road on a busy route, including the M5 where there can often be accidents and delays. Fares will start from £68.99 one-way and include a hold-bag. The service will operate year-round and complement the existing Newquay, Cornwall – London Gatwick and Humberside links, said a spokesman.
Eastern Airways commercial director Roger Hage said: “This is a major step in growing connectivity to the Cornwall base and the only Midlands service to the south west of England. By adding East Midlands Airport with the major cities of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester all within 30 minutes and Sheffield within an hour, this welcome addition to the domestic network at East Midlands will aid those who travel for business, visit friends and family or seek a welcome leisure break with the need for international travel.
“Adding the new destination of Newquay, Cornwall, significantly improves access to the UK staycation destination of choice. We want to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our Cornish network and capacity is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’S vital tourism sector where sustainable.”
East Midlands Airport’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “We’re delighted to welcome Eastern Airways who are a perfect fit for East Midlands Airport. We know many passengers choose this airport because we’re easy to get to and easy to get through.
“With a flight time of one hour and 20 mins, it will be so much quicker to reach one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK and will be very welcome news to the thousands of people in this region who regularly make the almost 300-mile trip to Cornwall for holidays. The new connectivity will boost tourism, benefit our regional economies, and help establish links between complementary business sectors across the Midlands and the south west of England. We very much look forward to welcoming passengers who will start using this service in February next year.”
Managing director of Cornwall Airport Sam O’ Dwyer added: “As we continue to welcome a significant expansion of our route network here at Cornwall Airport, Newquay, we are so pleased Eastern Airways has announced a new daily connection between the East Midlands and the south west.
“Our research and passenger feedback has shown there is much demand for a link into the Midlands region from Cornwall, combined with more capacity into London, and the doubling of flights into Humberside is fantastic news. Eastern Airways has been serving Cornwall since 2020 and these latest announcements provide a clear indication of its continued commitment to ensure our customers have more choice available to them when travelling within the UK throughout the year.”