A UK airline has decided to halt flights on a tourist route temporarily. Skybus issued an apology for suspending flights between Exeter and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly until June 4, citing a challenging start to the summer 2026 season.
The company attributed the delay to its winter maintenance program that extended into May, two months behind schedule, due to hangar damage and an aircraft incident at Land’s End Airport during Storm Goretti on January 8. This led to an aircraft shortage and training delays for pilots, impacting services, according to managing director Jonathan Hinkles.
Once the temporary suspension is lifted, the airline assured that services will return to normal for the remainder of the summer season. Affected customers will have the option to re-book from Land’s End or Newquay and receive a fare refund if applicable. Additionally, complimentary car parking will be provided for those re-booking from Exeter to Land’s End.
Hinkles stated, “We anticipate that this temporary adjustment will enhance operational stability for Skybus.” He expressed anticipation for Exeter’s return to the schedule on June 4, apologizing for the disrupted start to the summer season and thanking customers for their patience.
In a separate development last month, the airline canceled flights between Newquay and London Gatwick, citing escalating fuel costs post-Gulf war and a decline in bookings as reasons for the cancellations.
As jet fuel prices surge and concerns over shortages mount, approximately 120 UK flights have been canceled this month. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that airlines axed 0.53% of the initially scheduled departures from UK airports in May, totaling 120 out of 22,613 flights. The planned outbound flights for June have decreased by 36 compared to the previous week, resulting in a 0.2% reduction and a capacity drop of 7,972 seats for the month.
The final week of May is a peak holiday period, coinciding with mid-term breaks for many schools. Globally, 13,005 flights scheduled for May were canceled between April 10 and April 21, reducing capacity by nearly two million seats.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, reassured that departures from the UK to popular summer destinations remain unaffected. She emphasized that customers can confidently continue booking their flights.
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