Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY/EGHQ) Official Guide: Destinations, Facilities, and the UK’s Gateway to Space
Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), often referred to as your “Proper Local Airport,” stands as the crucial air gateway to the beautiful county of Cornwall in Southwest England. It is a vital hub not only for leisure travelers seeking the region’s world-famous beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture, but also as a growing center for UK connectivity and a pioneer in the global aerospace industry. The airport’s strategic importance has grown significantly following key infrastructure and route developments.
General Airport Information & Strategic Overview
| Detail | Information |
| IATA / ICAO Code | NQY / EGHQ |
| Location | St. Mawgan, Cornwall, UK |
| Distance to Newquay | Approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) from the city centre |
| Geographic Coordinates | 50° 26′ 21” N, 4° 59′ 40” W |
| Passenger Volume | Experiencing rapid growth; handled approximately 400,000 passengers in 2024 (pre-development figure) |
| Runway Length | 2,744m (One of the longest in the UK, vital for commercial flights and Spaceport operations) |
Airlines and Comprehensive 2025/2026 Destinations
Cornwall Airport Newquay operates a single, highly modernized terminal and has solidified its position by offering a robust network of domestic and European routes, serving over 20 destinations throughout the year.
Key Airlines Operating at NQY: The airport hosts a diverse mix of carriers, ensuring connectivity across the UK and key holiday destinations. These include Ryanair, Loganair, easyJet, Aer Lingus, Eastern Airways, SkyBus, Eurowings, British Airways, and Edelweiss.
The Expanded 2025/2026 Route Network Highlights:
| Route Type | Destination Examples (2025/2026) | Airlines | Key Developments |
| UK Domestic | London (Gatwick, Stansted, Southend), Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast City, Isle of Man. | easyJet, Loganair, Eastern Airways, Ryanair | New seasonal route to Glasgow added for Summer 2025. London Southend service by Eastern Airways strengthens southern England links. |
| Isles of Scilly | St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) | SkyBus | Significant frequency uplift for 2025, increasing to up to three daily flights. |
| European Sun | Alicante, Málaga, Faro (Portugal), Dublin (Ireland). | Ryanair, Aer Lingus, easyJet | Ryanair’s Winter 2025 schedule includes extra capacity to Alicante, Málaga, and Dublin, providing essential year-round sun options. |
| European City/Seasonal | Düsseldorf (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland). | Eurowings, Edelweiss | Crucial seasonal connections to mainland Europe, catering to both inbound and outbound travelers. |
Spaceport Cornwall: The UK’s Launchpad to Orbit
Cornwall Airport Newquay is home to Spaceport Cornwall, the United Kingdom’s first licensed spaceport and a crucial component of the Cornwall Space Cluster. This dual function as a commercial airport and a horizontal satellite launch facility makes NQY a unique and future-focused asset.
- Horizontal Launch Capability: Utilizing NQY’s long runway, the spaceport is designed for horizontal launch systems, where a carrier aircraft takes a rocket to altitude before release.
- UK Pioneer: On November 16, 2022, NQY became the UK’s first airport to receive a Spaceport licence from the CAA.
- Vision & Sustainability: Spaceport Cornwall is committed to sustainable and responsible access to space, targeting carbon neutrality by 2030 and minimizing environmental impact across its operations.
- Future Development: The airport’s long-term Land Use Blueprint includes plans to further integrate the space sector, potentially involving the relocation of the passenger terminal to the south side to enhance operational efficiency and develop a dedicated Research & Development Hub.
Terminal and Enhanced Guest Facilities
Recent investments in 2025 have significantly improved the passenger journey at NQY, focusing on speed, comfort, and convenience.
- Next-Generation Security: The successful implementation of CT X-ray screening technology has streamlined the security process, eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids and large electronics from hand luggage, thereby speeding up pre-flight checks.
- Connectivity and Comfort: Free, high-speed, and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The Departures Lounge has been expanded to accommodate increasing passenger volumes.
- Food, Drink & Retail: Passengers can enjoy local offerings at the various airside and landside options, including Horizon’s Café and Coffee Republic outlets, as well as retail spaces stocking local Cornish products.
- Executive Travel: A dedicated VIP Lounge offers a premium, tranquil experience with complimentary beverages for a fee.
- Accessibility: The airport provides full assistance and facilities for passengers requiring special support, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.
Ground Transportation Options and Parking
The airport is ideally positioned for quick access to Newquay and the wider Cornwall region, with several seamless transport links.
- Bus Services: The Western Greyhound 556 service offers a direct and affordable link to Newquay town centre, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes.
- Taxi Services: Reliable BioTravel taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall, providing a swift 15-minute ride to Newquay for an estimated fare of 15–20 GBP.
- Car Rental: Major international car hire providers, including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar, have convenient on-site desks just outside the arrivals hall.
- Parking: The airport offers flexible and affordable short-stay and long-stay parking facilities directly adjacent to the terminal building.
Contact and Accommodation
For more information, current flight statuses, and booking assistance, travelers can use the following details.
- Official Website: www.cornwallairportnewquay.com
- Address: Cornwall Airport Newquay, St. Mawgan, Cornwall, TR8 4RQ, UNITED KINGDOM
- Telephone: +44 1637 860600
- Nearby Hotels: Popular accommodation options close to the airport include The Smugglers Inn and Sands Resort Hotel.