easyJet rules out Gatwick route

easyJet this morning confirmed that it will NOT be operating a Newquay to London Gatwick route next year.

Flybe announced earlier this year that it was to cease operating the route after March 2014, and was selling its Gatwick landing slots to easyJet.

While easyJet was under no obligation to maintain the three flights a day route, there were hopes that a daily Gatwick service would be maintained in some form.

However, the company said today: “easyJet carefully and thoroughly examined the commercial viability of offering year round services on the route. After much consideration, all of the evidence clearly shows that there is insufficient demand to sustain such a service using an A319 aircraft with 156 seats.”

Instead, it will increase its seasonal flights to Southend from three, to four a week.

Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for partnerships, said: “We are disappointed that the airline has decided not to operate scheduled flights from Newquay to London Gatwick from 30 March 2014 as we have held detailed discussions with them over recent months.

“Providing a regular air link to London is very important to the economy of Cornwall and we remain in discussions with a number of other airlines to maintain this vital link. As part of these continuing discussions we will also be seeking the support of Cornwall’s six MPs and the Government to explore all options.”