Skybus has confirmed it will not operate any flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and the Isles of Scilly for the remainder of July and all of August after the airline said a shortage of aircraft and qualified pilots had left it unable to provide a reliable service.
What passengers can expect
In a letter sent to customers on Thursday 16 July, Skybus said it had exhausted alternative options before making the decision. Those with existing bookings for Newquay will be moved, in date order, onto Skybus flights departing from Land’s End Airport. The company says it will cover complimentary parking at Land’s End and on St Mary’s, and will provide a voucher for use at Land’s End Airport Café.
"Following a series of operational challenges, we have taken the difficult decision to suspend Skybus flights from Newquay."
The airline has assured passengers it is keeping its Exeter schedule unchanged. Cornwall Airport Newquay declined to comment on Skybus’s operational choices, saying the airline was "best placed to respond" to media queries.
Local impact and practical considerations
The move will affect travellers who chose Newquay as the most convenient mainland departure point for St Mary’s and other islands. Rebooking via Land’s End adds a significant onward journey: Land’s End is roughly an hour and a half by car from Newquay or about three hours by train, depending on connections. For people without private transport, this can mean an early departure and extra cost or complexity in reaching the airport.
- Booked passengers will be contacted in date order to be transferred to Land’s End departures.
- Complimentary parking at Land’s End and St Mary’s will be supplied by the airline.
- Vouchers for the airport café at Land’s End will be issued to affected customers.
For island businesses that rely on day visitors or scheduled links for freight and staff, the change could disrupt plans through the high season. The airline’s letter acknowledges the inconvenience and apologises to passengers, but says limited fleet and crew availability left it unable to guarantee reliable operations for the remainder of the summer.
| Route | Status |
|---|---|
| Newquay → St Mary’s | Suspended until end of August |
| Land’s End → St Mary’s | Alternative for affected passengers |
| Exeter → Isles of Scilly | Retained |
Passengers are advised to watch for direct contact from Skybus and to check travel arrangements before setting out for the airport. If you have onward bookings or arrangements tied to specific arrival times, contact the operator or accommodation provider to discuss contingency plans.
This suspension follows earlier route changes by Skybus earlier in the year; the company previously announced the end of services between Newquay and London Gatwick in February. Cornwall Airport Newquay has said it is not in a position to comment on the airline’s operational decisions.
The coming weeks will show whether Skybus can restore its Newquay link after August or whether further timetable changes are necessary. For the time being, residents and visitors should plan around the Land’s End alternative or retain the Exeter service where it suits their travel.
