Residents of the Isles of Scilly have expressed deep dissatisfaction with Skybus after the airline suspended flights from Exeter to the islands, citing a turbulent start to the year. The suspension, which began in early May, follows damage to aircraft and hangars at Land's End Airport during Storm Goretti in January. Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles confirmed that flights are due to resume on 4 June.
The airline, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, has faced criticism from tourism and business leaders, who fear the disruption undermines the islands' tourism-dependent economy. A letter signed by 150 residents highlighted the community's feeling of being let down, according to Andrew Sells, chairman of tourist board Visit Scilly.
Skybus has also signed a deal to operate flights to the Channel Islands from November 2025, a move Hinkles says will strengthen the business and enable further investment in Isles of Scilly services. However, critics argue the new route has diverted resources away from the islands, especially as the airline also cancelled its daily Newquay to London flights two months early.
Council members of the Isles of Scilly blasted the airline's lack of service at the start of the tourism season, stating it 'undermines the ability to retain and attract new visitors'. Hinkles defended the decision, attributing the suspension to overruns in essential aircraft maintenance and regulatory delays in introducing new Twin-Otter aircraft.
