Cornwall Airport’s Big Win: Why This Gold Award Matters for 2025

Cornwall Airport Newquay has taken Gold in the International Tourism category at the 2025 Cornwall Tourism Awards, celebrating its growing impact on year-round tourism and its role in opening Cornwall to global visitors.

The award was presented by BBC Radio Cornwall’s Daphne Skinnard at Truro Cathedral on 13th November 2025.

International Growth Behind the Win

International visitors now make up almost half of all airport traffic. Direct links from Cornwall to Spain, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal, along with onward access via London, Manchester and Dublin, have helped fuel fast rising numbers.

Between 2022 and 2024, international passenger totals climbed from 74,069 to more than 203,900. Spanish travel rose 185 percent in the same period, reaching 86,586 passengers in 2024, while Irish traffic almost quadrupled to 66,735.

The airport’s digital reach has also played a part, generating more than 744,000 post impressions, over 7,000 user interactions and a 7.5 percent organic engagement rate in April 2025 alone.

Amy Smith Says the Award Recognises a Team Effort

Amy Smith, Managing Director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said:
“The Gold award is an incredible achievement for our small but mighty team and recognises the dedication and passion that goes into connecting Cornwall to the world every single day. Not just from our team, but from our passengers, partners, airlines, local producers and industry colleagues that help make Cornwall such an extraordinary place to visit.”

A Strong Record of Recognition

Cornwall Airport Newquay has continued to gain national and international recognition. It was named the UK’s fastest growing regional airport in 2023 and secured the Airports UK Health & Safety Week Award in both 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, it ranked as the second friendliest airport in the world and the friendliest in the UK in a study by APH. It was also Highly Commended for Local Placement of the Year 2025 by the University of Bath.

At this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards, the airport also sponsored the Unsung Hero Award, presented by Kelly Jones to Louise Pearce from Boconnoc, honouring her ongoing commitment to Cornwall’s visitor experience.

What the Airport Offers Today

Cornwall Airport Newquay describes itself as Cornwall’s international gateway. Through eight airline partners, it provides a mix of year-round and seasonal routes, including strategic connections to London, Manchester and Dublin. Dublin also offers seamless onward links to the USA.

The airport highlights its modern terminal, next-generation security screening and its recent recognition as the Airports UK Health & Safety Week 2024 Award winner.

With a 2,744 metre runway, the airport supports commercial flights, general aviation, military activity, training and lifeline services such as Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and HM Coastguard. The wider site includes development land within the Aerohub Business Park with opportunities across aerospace, technology, defence and clean industries.

It is also home to Spaceport Cornwall, the UK’s first licensed spaceport, making it the nation’s only combined air and space port.

The airport says its vision is to expand sustainable connectivity and unlock economic opportunity for visitors, communities and industries while investing in future growth.

For details on its current flight network, visit the airport’s flight information page – Flight network: https://www.cornwallairportnewquay.com/flights