A new route to Cornwall Airport from London Southend is launching in April. UK domestic carrier Eastern Airways has announced it will operate daily flights to Newquay from the South East transport hub.

The route is aimed at travellers across Essex, London and East Anglia, and brings the number of destinations from Southend to 20. The first flight to Cornwall will take off on April 3 with fares starting from £59.99 one way.

London Southend Airport previously operated flights to Newquay between April 2019 and January 2020.

Amy Smith, head of commercial at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said the transport hub was “confident” the route would be popular with travellers from the east of England looking to experience Cornwall’s “stunning coastline and rich heritage”.

“The new service from Eastern Airways will provide a convenient and efficient way to travel between the east and west of our country and further supplements our London connectivity, meeting the increased leisure demand in the summer months,” she said.

Nigel Mayes, business development manager at London Southend Airport, said: “The return of a route to Newquay is a great way to start the new year; connecting passengers from coast to capital and into London with our on-site train line, just 43 minutes into Stratford or 52 minutes to London Liverpool Street. We look forward to welcoming new customers, and returning faces, in April this year.”

Roger Hage, commercial director at Eastern Airways, said the route would help “open” the north and east of London as well as Essex and Suffolk to a daily service to the South West of England – and would complement the airline’s London Gatwick twice-daily offering.

“The speed of access to Greater London via the adjacent rail link offers an appealing option, helping to avoid the otherwise arduous alternative travel options,” he said.

Michael Steel, managing director of Visit Cornwall, added: “We are thrilled to hear of the new route between London Southend and Cornwall Airport Newquay.

“With the convenience of daily flights, this connection is set to strengthen domestic tourism and positively impact Cornwall’s visitor economy. We look forward to the addition of the route, providing greater options to travel to and from Cornwall.”

Like this story? Why not sign up to get all the latest business news straight to your inbox