FLIGHTS FROM SOUTHEND TO NEWQUAY LAUNCH FOR BRITS' SUMMER HOLIDAYS
A new airline route will connect Essex and Cornwall in time for the summer holiday rush, but not all Cornish locals are welcoming the news - with some claiming it will bring the 'riff raff' to their towns.
London Southend Airport announced on Monday that daily flights to Newquay, Cornwall will commence from April 2025 with airline partner, Eastern Airways.
Tickets for the 'sought-after route', which has become the 20th holiday destination offered from London Southend, have now gone on sale, with fares starting from £59.99 one-way.
Airport bosses believe the route will shorten the travelling time for Cornish holidaymakers looking to spend time in London or transfer to one of the capital's international airports, including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead.
Nigel Mayes, business dvelopment 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 speed of access to Greater London via the adjacent rail link offers an appealing option, helping to avoid the otherwise arduous alternative travel options.'
Meanwhile, tourist bosses in Cornwall hope the new route will 'strengthen domestic tourism and positively impact Cornwall's visitor economy.'
London Southend previously operated flights to Newquay between April 2019 and January 2020.
Reaction to news of a new route connecting the two counties has not however been welcomed by all.
One commented to Cornwall Live that they were 'hoping for a Mediterranean destination', adding: 'We can already get to Gatwick, so forgive me for not being overly hyped.'
Another said: 'More flights to Malaga or the Canary Islands would be better'.
A third said they were not looking forward to the new route starting as 'it will allow the riff raff to be exchanged between the two counties.'
More forgiving locals however were pleased at the thought of a new flight route.
One said: 'Great news - I can fly now instead of having to drive 6 hours.'
Another said: 'Can't wait to fly to Essex! Sarcasm aside, there are some beautiful parts of Essex, particularly in the north of the county. I would happily fly to visit those again.'