A UK airline has decided to temporarily halt flights on a popular tourist route. Skybus expressed regret for suspending flights between Exeter and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly until June 4 due to challenges faced at the beginning of the summer 2026 season.
The airline clarified that delays in its winter maintenance program, extending into May, were caused by damages to hangars and an aircraft during Storm Goretti on January 8 at Land’s End Airport. This led to an aircraft shortage and delayed pilot training, impacting their services, according to managing director Jonathan Hinkles.
Once the temporary suspension is lifted, the service will resume as usual for the rest of the summer season. Affected customers will have the option to re-book from Land’s End or Newquay and receive a refund for any fare difference. Additionally, complimentary car parking will be provided to those re-booking from Exeter to Land’s End.
Hinkles stated that the temporary change aims to bring about more stability to the Skybus operation and expressed gratitude to customers for their patience and understanding. The airline had previously announced flight cancellations between Newquay and London Gatwick due to increased fuel costs post-Gulf war and reduced bookings.
As jet fuel prices surge and concerns about shortages grow, around 120 flights from the UK have been canceled this month. Aviation analytics company Cirium reported a 0.53% reduction in planned departures from UK airports in May, with a further decrease in outbound flights for June.
The last week of May is a peak holiday period, coinciding with school breaks, while globally, thousands of flights planned for May were canceled, impacting capacity. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, assured that departures to popular summer destinations from the UK are unaffected, encouraging customers to book confidently.
