Skybus will terminate its Newquay to London Gatwick services on 31 May 2026 after Cornwall Council decided to end public service obligation support for the route.
The airline expressed grave concerns about the decision’s impact on Cornwall’s connectivity, employment in the aviation sector, and the viability of Cornwall Airport Newquay. Skybus had taken over the route in November 2025 on an interim basis following Eastern Airways’ bankruptcy and operated it using a wet-leased DHC-8-Q400.
The council stated it could not accept a non-compliant bid from Skybus for the permanent PSO starting 1 June 2026. It now plans to secure the route on commercial terms with other airlines serving the airport including Ryanair, Ryanair UK, and Loganair.
Jonathan Hinkles shared we have grave concerns about the impact of this decision on Cornwall’s essential connectivity, on continued employment in Cornwall’s aviation sector and most specifically for the viability of Cornwall Airport Newquay.
