Skybus Abruptly Halts All Flights Between London Gatwick and Newquay
In a sudden move, UK airline Skybus has cancelled all flights from Newquay Airport to London Gatwick indefinitely, disrupting travel plans for passengers. The final flights on this route took place on April 2, 2026, with customers receiving notifications via email throughout the week about the cancellations.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
Skybus was operating this route as an interim tender until May 31, 2026, following the collapse of Eastern Airways in November. The service, funded by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, has ceased due to a combination of high fuel costs and lower passenger demand. Aviation expert Marina Efthymiou, a professor at Dublin City University, warns that such cancellations are becoming more common among airlines.
Fuel costs have skyrocketed, with prices jumping from $95 (£71) a month ago to $195 (£147) currently. Efthymiou explains that airlines cannot absorb these increased expenses, as tickets sold earlier were priced based on lower fuel estimates. She notes, "If they cancel the flight two weeks before, you're not entitled to compensation, only a refund or credit, which is why they're proactive in making these decisions."
Impact on Passengers and Cornwall
Affected travellers have expressed frustration, with one telling CornwallLive that the cancellations forced them into "complicated travel plans," including overnight stays and rebooking with other providers. Cornwall, described by visitors on Tripadvisor as a "stunning" and "beautiful seaside spot," attracts around four million visitors annually, making this route vital for connectivity.
A Skybus spokesperson cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason for the decision, with managing director Jonathan Hinkles adding, "The huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf, coupled to a significant drop in new passenger bookings, form an insurmountable barrier."
Public Service Obligation and Refunds
The flights were part of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) aimed at ensuring air connectivity to isolated regions. Cornwall Council had already agreed to scrap the service in February after failing to find a new tender. Skybus has assured customers of full refunds, stating in an email, "We sincerely regret the disappointment and inconvenience caused by these changes."
This cancellation highlights broader challenges in the aviation industry, including economic uncertainty and environmental concerns, as airlines grapple with balancing operational costs and passenger demand.
