FLIGHTS between Cornwall and London will resume on Friday, July 24, with British Airways running services between Newquay and Heathrow.

The operator will initially begin operating three flights a week, increasing to five a week in August and daily from September.

The service will operate under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) which provides financial support, if required, to ensure the route is maintained year-round.?

Commercial flights as a whole resumed at Cornwall Airport Newquay last Saturday, with temperature screening in place as passengers enter the terminal and anyone over the age of 11 having to wear a face covering.

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Geoff Brown, said: ’I welcome the arrival of British Airways in Cornwall to operate our key route between Newquay and London. This PSO service not only protects Cornwall’s links with London, but will also offer excellent connectivity around the world into the future.’

’The collapse of Flybe was a blow, but we have been able to work with Cornwall Airport Newquay, the Department for Transport and St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double, to secure the new operator.?

’British Airways will be operating the PSO route under an emergency order for seven months while we work with the DfT to run the tender process for the four year contract which will begin in March 2021.’

The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and local MP Steve Double agree that the air link between the Duchy and London is vital to Cornwall’s economy.

Chair of the LEP Mark Duddridge said: ’We know that coronavirus travel restrictions have had a severe impact on all parts of our economy and once we enter the recovery phase this link will help show that we are open for business.’