Regional airline Eastern Airways has confirmed sweeping cuts to its domestic route network, eliminating several key connections that served business and leisure travellers across the United Kingdom.
Affected Routes and Passenger Impact
The carrier is permanently withdrawing services between Aberdeen and London Gatwick, a route particularly popular with oil and gas industry professionals. Additionally, the airline will cease operations between Humberside Airport and Aberdeen, severing a vital link for the energy sector.
Perhaps most notably, Eastern Airways is completely withdrawing from Newquay Airport, discontinuing both its Newquay to Aberdeen and Newquay to Humberside routes. This decision represents a significant reduction in connectivity for Cornwall's primary airport.
Strategic Review and Future Focus
The route cancellations follow what the airline describes as a "comprehensive network review" aimed at optimising its operations. While specific passenger numbers weren't disclosed, the decision suggests these routes were underperforming commercially.
An Eastern Airways spokesperson stated: "Following a detailed review of our network, we've taken the difficult decision to withdraw from certain routes that are no longer commercially sustainable in the current market."
Timeline and Passenger Alternatives
The changes take effect immediately, with the final flights on these routes having already operated. Passengers who had booked future travel on the cancelled services are being contacted directly regarding refunds and alternative arrangements.
Affected travellers are being directed to explore alternative connections through other UK hubs or consider different carriers still serving these destinations, though options may be limited particularly for the Aberdeen-Humberside corridor.
The move leaves several regional communities with reduced air travel options and raises questions about the long-term viability of certain domestic routes in the post-pandemic aviation landscape.
