The UK Government has renewed flybe. (2002)'s Newquay-London Public Services Obligation (PSO) contract, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Grayling said flybe's new contract would start on March 31, 2019, with up to 4x daily shuttles services to London Heathrow replacing the current 3x daily London Gatwick flights. flybe. was awarded a four-year PSO contract on the Newquay-Gatwick service starting on October 1, 2018; the transfer of the route to Heathrow will be executed within the framework of the existing PSO rather than under a new contract.

Operations will be onboard Dash 8-400 equipment. The current Gatwick route is operated with E195s.

"By having direct flights to Heathrow, it grows the strength of Newquay and Cornwall’s brand abroad, which is great for the local business community and those wanting to visit our beautiful county," Al Titterington, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay, said.

Located in South West England, Cornwall has long campaigned for the reinstatement of flights to Heathrow, the last of which operated in 1997.

It is recalled that Stobart Air, a flybe. franchisee, will also add year-round services from Cornwall to London Southend starting April 1, 2019. The 5x weekly services will operate onboard ATR72 equipment increasing to a daily frequency from May 1 onwards.