A UK airline has announced it has cancelled flights from today (April 3), partly because of a huge rise in the global cost of fuel caused by the ongoing Middle East war.
Skybus confirmed it has also stopped all flights between Cornwall and London as there has been a significant drop in new passenger bookings since the February announcement regarding planned closure of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) air route.
The flight schedule between Newquay Airport and London Gatwick was a PSO obligation funded by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, and had been in operation since November 2025.
It was due to be withdrawn on May 31, but has ended earlier than planned, ITV reports.
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Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles explained that the huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf, coupled with a significant drop in new passenger bookings since mid-February’s announcement of the planned closure of the PSO air route, forms an insurmountable barrier to the service continuing through April and May.
At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.
Following the update, Hinkles also extended sincere thanks to passengers, Skybus team members, as well as local stakeholders.
He continued that the company would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who have supported the airline, whether as passengers, as local stakeholders or as team members delivering service to customers, through the recent months of Cornwall-London air service provision.
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The last flight operated on Thursday (April 2) and all passengers who have had upcoming journeys cancelled will be refunded, according to the airline.
Skybus advised Cornwall Council that services will now cease at an earlier date in view of circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
The final services in each direction will take place on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
The airline is therefore contacting all customers with bookings throughout April and May to advise that flights will no longer take place as planned.
Other Skybus UK destinations include Isles of Scilly, Exeter and Land’s End.
On its website, the airline details about its history: For over 40 years, Skybus has proudly connected the Isles of Scilly to the mainland, delivering a reliable, friendly service that passengers know and trust.
Skybus is more than just an airline; it is an integral part of the community.
Founded on 9th August 1984, by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Skybus began with a single 8-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft offering charter flights.
Just three years later in 1987 the company introduced scheduled services and has been growing ever since.
From those early days, the fleet has expanded to include 5 DHC Twin Otters, 3 Britten-Norman Islanders, and an ATR-72 aircraft, carrying thousands of passengers each year.
The airline has been flying from Newquay and Exeter for over three decades and is proud to be Cornwall Airport Newquay’s longest-serving airline.
Regarding its London Gatwick to Newquay route, Skybus said travellers could enjoy the same warm welcome and exceptional service that has defined Skybus for four decades.
Newsquest has contacted Skybus for comment.
UK travel companies that have closed down in 2026 (so far)
Many UK travel companies have faced difficulty in 2026 so far, with the likes of Edinburgh-based EcoJet Airlines entering liquidation.
Meanwhile, four other UK travel companies have also ceased trading this year, resulting in the cancellation of flights and holiday packages to destinations around the world, such as:
Regen Central Ltd
Gold Crest Holidays
Asiara UK Ltd
Simply Florida Travel Ltd
Have you been affected by any recent travel disruption due to cancelled flights or companies shutting down? Let us know in the comments below.