Quick Read
- Emirates launched a fourth daily Dubai-London Gatwick flight on February 8, 2026, using an Airbus A350, marking its first A350 landing at Gatwick.
- AirAsia X will introduce new budget flights from Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain to London, commencing June 2026, with fares starting from Dh190.
- Cornwall Council is ending its subsidy for the Newquay-London Gatwick route, leading Skybus to cease operations by May 31, 2026.
- The Newquay route’s subsidy cut follows a reduction in government contribution and projected high costs of £14m-£16m over four years.
- Emirates’ expansion increases its daily London flights to approximately 13, enhancing connectivity for business and leisure travelers.
LONDON (Azat TV) – London’s air travel landscape is experiencing a period of significant flux in early 2026, marked by both expansion in premium international services and the abrupt cessation of a vital regional link. Emirates has bolstered its connectivity to London Gatwick Airport with a new daily Airbus A350 service, while AirAsia X is preparing to launch new budget routes from Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain. Conversely, the critical Newquay to London Gatwick route is set to end by May 31, 2026, following Cornwall Council’s decision to discontinue its flight subsidy, sparking considerable concern among local businesses and aviation stakeholders.
These divergent trends highlight a dynamic period for London’s airports, as carriers adjust their strategies to meet varying market demands, from high-yield international passengers to essential domestic connectivity.
Emirates Expands Premium London Gatwick Service
Emirates, one of the United Arab Emirates’ flag carriers, significantly enhanced its London connectivity on February 8, 2026, with the launch of a fourth daily service between Dubai and London Gatwick Airport. This new flight marks the inaugural landing of an Airbus A350 aircraft at Gatwick, a notable development for the airport’s operational capabilities.
The introduction of flight EK069, departing Dubai at 5:05 pm and arriving in London at 8:50 pm, alongside its return flight EK070, boosts Emirates’ total daily flights to London to approximately 13 and over 20 daily services to the United Kingdom. This expansion aims to strengthen connectivity for both leisure and business travelers, offering enhanced schedule flexibility. The initial A350 aircraft features a three-class configuration with 238 Economy Class, 28 Premium Economy, and 32 lie-flat Business Class seats. From March 29, 2026, Emirates will transition to a 312-seat A350, adjusting the seat count in Economy and Premium Economy while maintaining Business Class capacity. Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ vice president in the UK, noted the UK’s pivotal role in the A350’s introduction, with Edinburgh being its first global destination and Gatwick the first London airport to welcome the new aircraft, according to Travel + Leisure Asia.
New Budget Options for London Travelers
In contrast to the premium expansion, AirAsia X is set to introduce new budget-friendly flights connecting Kuala Lumpur, London, and Bahrain. These new routes, scheduled to commence in June 2026, promise competitive fares, with promotional deals starting from just Dh190. This move by AirAsia X aims to cater to cost-conscious travelers, offering more accessible options for long-haul journeys to and from London, as reported by Travel and Tour World.
The introduction of these budget flights could stimulate demand in the leisure travel sector, providing a more affordable entry point for tourists and visitors looking to experience London and its surrounding regions.
Cornwall’s London Air Link in Jeopardy
While international services expand, a critical domestic air link faces an uncertain future. Cornwall Council has decided to cease subsidizing flights between Newquay and London Gatwick, a move that airline bosses at Skybus have described as ‘incredibly damaging.’ The route, currently operated by Skybus under a Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) contract, was jointly funded by the government and the council.
The government’s contribution to the subsidy was reduced from 66.7% to 50%, leading Cornwall Council to project a required taxpayer subsidy of £14m to £16m over the next four years if the service were to continue. Following the refusal of its tender to continue the PSO route, Skybus’ managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, announced that the airline would stop its service by May 31, 2026, with all forward bookings being fully refunded. Hinkles expressed ‘grave concerns’ regarding the impact on Cornwall’s connectivity, aviation sector employment, and the viability of Cornwall Airport Newquay. He stated that the council had not considered Skybus’s bid or engaged in dialogue over disputed fees, according to AOL.com. John Brown, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Cornwall’s transport network could not absorb this loss, despite understanding the financial pressures of reduced government contributions and rising aviation costs. This decision follows a temporary deal with Skybus to operate the route after the collapse of Eastern Airways in November 2025.
The simultaneous expansion of premium international routes and the contraction of essential regional services underscore a growing disparity in London’s air connectivity. While international hubs thrive on increased capacity and new aircraft technology, regional airports and their communities face the challenge of maintaining vital links in an environment of reduced public funding and escalating operational costs. This trend suggests a potential future where access to London by air becomes increasingly tiered, impacting regional economic development and accessibility.