Why Passengers on the First Southend to Cornwall Flight Were Served Cream Teas at 25,000 Feet

Cornwall Airport Newquay welcomes new Eastern Airways service to London Southend

A brand-new domestic route between London Southend Airport and Cornwall Airport Newquay has officially taken off, with the inaugural Eastern Airways service landing in Cornwall yesterday.

This new domestic connection offers a faster and more convenient way to travel between Cornwall and the East of England, with flight times of just 90 minutes and daily departures throughout the week.

Special treat for inaugural flight passengers

To celebrate the launch, passengers on the first flight were surprised with a classic Cornish cream tea served mid-air at 25,000 feet. The treat featured Cornwall’s own Trewithen Dairy Cream and Tiptree Jam from Essex — prompting friendly debate over which goes on first.

Amy Smith, Interim Managing Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome the Eastern Airways’ flight yesterday, 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 marked the 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.”

📷Cornwall Airport Newquay Managing Director (Interim) Amy Smith, London Southend Airport CEO Jude Winstanley and Eastern Airways Commercial Director Roger Hage celebrate the launch of flights between Newquay and London Southend with a cream tea in the air - with Cornwall bringing the cream and Essex bringing the jam!

A surf-themed send-off in Southend

Back at London Southend Airport, the departure lounge embraced the Cornish spirit with a surf-inspired celebration, complete with an inflatable surf simulator. Travellers were also treated to traditional Cornish pasties before take-off.

Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, said:
“Coming hot on the heels of our three aircraft easyJet base launch, 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.”

Easy access to central London

London Southend Airport also boasts quick rail links to the capital. Greater Anglia trains depart every 30 minutes, reaching Southend Victoria station in 5–7 minutes, Stratford in 43 minutes, and London Liverpool Street in approximately 50 minutes. From Stratford, travellers can easily connect to the Elizabeth Line and Canary Wharf, making the journey into central London both simple and efficient.

Roger Hage, Commercial Director for Eastern Airways, said:
“Commencing London Southend to Newquay 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.”

Discover Cornwall from Newquay

Travellers landing in Newquay will find themselves within easy reach of some of Cornwall’s best-known destinations. Fistral Beach, a hotspot for surfers of all levels, is nearby, while the iconic Eden Project offers a memorable day out with its vast Biomes and global gardens.

The town also provides a great base for day trips to Padstow, known for its seafood and working harbour, or St Ives, with its golden sands, vibrant arts scene and the world-famous Tate St. Ives gallery.

Flight schedule from 3rd April

• Newquay → London Southend
  Monday–Saturday: 11:45 – 13:15
  Sunday: 12:45 – 14:05

• London Southend → Newquay
  Monday–Saturday: 14:00 – 15:30
  Sunday: 14:35 – 15:55

Flights can be booked now at www.easternairways.com.

📷(L-R) Kendall Gadie, Natalie Longshaw (Eastern Airways), Olivia Birkby, Marc Watkins Route Development Manager, CEO Jude Winstanley, Roger Hage, Amy Smith, Nigel Mayes (Business Development Director), Josie Hutt, Rylee Doe (Commercial Manager at Southend United FC)