Cream tea at 30,000ft! London Southend Airport’s tasty first flight to Newquay, Cornwall takes off with Eastern Airways
London Southend Airport is pleased to announce that our inaugural flight to Newquay, Cornwall, operated by Eastern Airways, departed for the first time today on 3 April. With up to seven weekly departures, passengers can now enjoy a convenient and efficient way to travel between London, Essex and the East of England, and the Cornish coast.
To mark this exciting occasion, passengers on the first flight will be treated to a cream tea at 30,000 feet, with Cornwall bringing the cream and Essex bringing the jam, in partnership with Cornish business Trewithen Cream and Essex company Tiptree Jam. Customers on the first flight will be asked to join the eternal debate – jam or cream first on your fruit scone?
In addition, London Southend Airport transformed its terminal into a fun, surf-inspired celebration. Passengers and staff alike had the chance to try their hand at catching some virtual waves on an inflatable surf simulator, to get everyone into the seaside spirit. And what would a Cornish celebration be without the iconic Cornish pasty? Guests were treated to these delicious, warm, and flaky delights as they prepared for their exciting trip to Newquay.
Jude Winstanley, CEO for London Southend Airport said:
“Coming hot on the heels of our three aircraft easyJet base launch earlier this week, we are delighted to welcome another tailfin at London Southend with Eastern Airways’ service to Newquay. It’s great to have a domestic route back on our departure boards and where better to start than offering flights to the beautiful Cornish coast. The convenient 90-minute flight plus our easy, speedy, friendly London Southend Airport experience is a dream come true for holidaymakers looking to avoid the M5 and at least a six-hour drive from Essex.”
Roger Hage, Commercial Director for Eastern Airways said:
“Commencing London Southend to Newquay today initially for the Summer 2025 season, as our second London connection to Cornwall, is because of the London Southend team promoting the facility as a viable, relevant and growing London airport with great rail connectivity outside the terminal door. This is highlighted by the increasing strength of the easyJet product at London Southend with its base also launching this week. The speed of journeys to or from Greater London via the adjacent rail link, the short terminal walks and swift access on and off the aircraft offers travellers an appealing option which avoids the otherwise arduous alternatives – whether you are looking for that summer getaway by the Cornish coast, or for those people heading into Southend for a great city break, or for those going into London for daytime business travel or simply making it to that big event.”
Amy Smith, Managing Director (interim), Cornwall Airport Newquay, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome Eastern Airways’ inaugural flight today, connecting the east of England and Cornwall. With demand for leisure travel continuing to grow, this route provides an easy and efficient way for visitors to experience everything Cornwall has to offer – from breathtaking scenery to famous hospitality. To celebrate, we’re marking the inaugural flight with a cream tea in the air, with Essex bringing the jam and Cornwall, of course, bringing the cream! This new connection further strengthens our UK network, offering even more convenient travel options this summer season.”
Once in Newquay, passengers can experience the best that the region has to offer. Fistral Beach, one of the UK’s most renowned surfing spots, is the perfect place to catch a wave, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take your first lesson.
Just a short drive from Newquay, the Eden Project offers an unforgettable day out, with its massive biomes housing everything from lush tropical rainforests to Mediterranean gardens. For those who love to explore on foot, Cornwall’s coastal walking trails offer breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and hidden coves – the South West Coast Path is particularly spectacular, running for hundreds of miles, with plenty of scenic routes to choose from.
Newquay also provides the perfect base for trips to some of Cornwall’s most picturesque harbour towns. Padstow is a must-visit for food lovers, famous for its seafood restaurants, charming fishing port, and boat trips along the Camel Estuary. St Ives, with its golden beaches, thriving arts scene, and the iconic Tate St. Ives gallery is another perfect day-out destination, offering a blend of culture, coastal beauty, and relaxed seaside charm.
Flights from London Southend Airport to Newquay, bookable on www.easternairways.com, take just 90 minutes, making it the ideal option for those looking to make the most of a quick getaway or an adventure-filled escape.
Flight schedule to Newquay from 3 April
| London Southend-Newquay | Newquay-London Southend | |
| Monday-Saturday | 1400-1530 | 1145-1315 |
| Sunday | 1435-1555 | 1245-1405 |
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About London Southend Airport
London Southend Airport, ranked the best London airport by consumer group Which? six times and voted the best UK airport (under three million capacity) by the Airport Operator’s Association in 2019.
Serving close to 2.3 million passengers in 2019, London Southend offered services to around 40 domestic and European cities. The terminal has its own railway station, less than 100 paces from the main entrance, with up to six trains an hour at peak times to central London, taking just 52 minutes to Liverpool Street and 43 minutes from Stratford. All airport car parks are located minutes from the terminal entrance.