Aurigny Supports Skybus as Gatwick to Newquay Service Begins

Aurigny has stepped in to support its partner airline, Skybus, after the Cornish carrier secured an emergency Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to operate flights between Newquay and London Gatwick from Sunday, 23 November 2025.

The PSO route provides vital air connectivity for the remote Cornish community, and Skybus had initially planned for Blue Islands to operate the service during the short term. However, those plans were halted when Blue Islands entered administration, leaving an urgent need to put alternative arrangements in place.

Aurigny has confirmed it will assist Skybus by providing Ground Handling Services at London Gatwick, operating on commercial terms. The airline noted that this support mirrors the handling it has already provided for Eastern Airways on the same route over the past three years, using its existing Gatwick-based resources.

In a statement, Aurigny stressed that none of its aircraft, pilots or engineering teams are being deployed for the Newquay–Gatwick operation. The airline emphasised that maintaining a reliable service across its network, including the recently introduced routes between Guernsey and Jersey and Guernsey and Southampton, remains its top priority.

Aurigny added that the agreement with Skybus will enhance its operational resilience during the busy Christmas and New Year period. The wet-lease provider that will operate the Newquay flights will retain additional capacity, which Aurigny can draw upon if it requires back-up aircraft for its Guernsey network.

The airline said these measures highlight its commitment to delivering a robust, dependable service to passengers during the festive season, ensuring that “our passengers’ festive wishes always come true.”