Cornwall councillor Alex Folkes said the Cauthority has been "quick off the mark" and has been working with FlyBe over the past few days to secure extra flights to London to help during the rail disruption caused by the track being washed away at Dawlish.

He said: "Many thanks also to the Government and to Gatwick Airport for enabling the extra landing slots to be found and to Stephen Gilbert MP whose help has been invaluable in the process.

"FlyBe have guaranteed that the three extra flights each day will be priced at the same levels as their regular service and the aim is to keep Cornwall connected, rather than profiteering."