Search for new airline to take over 'vital' route

Flights from Newquay to London Gatwick were cancelled after Eastern Airways filed a notice to appoint administrators

Passengers are facing weeks of disruption after an airline suspended its services, officials have said.

Cornwall Council said there would be a "short-term loss of services" with Newquay to London Gatwick flights following news Eastern Airways was on the brink of collapse.

On Monday, the airline's bosses filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the Insolvency and Companies Court.

Council leaders said the airline's contract for the route, which is part of a public service obligation (PSO) to provide an air link to the capital, was already coming to an end and the process to find a new operator had started.

The Civil Aviation Authority said all of Eastern Airways' flights had been cancelled, including services from Newquay to London Gatwick.

Rail operator GWR said it was offering free train travel to Eastern Airways customers and staff on Tuesday and Wednesday for journeys between Newquay and London Gatwick to help passengers and staff left stranded after the airline suspended operations.

It said people would need to show either a valid boarding pass, flight confirmation, or staff ID to railway staff to arrange travel.

Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council cabinet member for economic regeneration and investment, said the airline's collapse was "very, very disappointing".

He said the council was doing all it could to get a decent carrier on board to take over the Newquay to London route.

"There's going to be weeks of disruption for people who had booked flights and we've got to put them first," Dwelly said.

"But we are on it in a big way and we're lining up a a temporary solution, which should be announced hopefully this week; but it will still take a while before it starts.

"But I want everyone to know we're doing everything we possibly can."

Cornwall Council said it was searching for a new operator to run flights from Newquay to London

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire, whose constituency includes Cornwall Airport Newquay, said the route was relied upon by residents, businesses and the tourist industry.

"The PSO route from Newquay to London is vital for Cornwall's local economy and I have already spoken to senior figures at Cornwall Council to urge them to safeguard it in light of this news," the Liberal Democrat added.

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce's chief executive John Brown said the route was important for a lot of people and the authorities needed to "jump into action".

"A decent carrier offering a really consistent, great service to London will invariably see passengers book on," Mr Brown said.