New flights give airport a lift

Flights from Newquay to Cork will take just under an hour

A new daily flight has been announced by the airline Air Wales amid uncertainty over commercial air links in the South West.

Air Wales said it is going to start a daily return service to Cork from Newquay Airport in Cornwall.

The airline said it hoped the new service would receive strong support from business and leisure travellers.

Last week Ryanair reduced its Newquay- to-London midweek flights after a row over a controversial airport fee.

A £5 departure fee was introduced in October by Cornwall County Council to help fund the airport's redevelopment.

This demonstrates that our confidence in the future of the airport is well founded David Whalley, Cornwall County Council

The future of routes from the Cornish airport is still in doubt after the RAF pulls out of the neighbouring St Mawgan base in 2007.

Roy Thomas, chairman of Air Wales, said it was an important new service which could open up business opportunities in Cornwall.

The new service is due to start in March and one-way flights will cost from just under £30, including taxes.

Cornwall County Council has welcomed the announcement, which it said would help strengthen its links with Ireland.

David Whalley, leader of the council, said: "It's great to see yet another new airline coming to Newquay Airport.

"This demonstrates that our confidence in the future of the airport is well founded."