'Turbulent' period forces temporary flight halt
BBCAn airline has apologised for a decision to temporarily stop flights on a tourist route in south-west England.
Skybus said a "turbulent start" to the summer 2026 season meant it would not operate flights between Exeter and St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly until 4 June.
In a community update, the company said damage to its hangars and a Twin Otter aircraft at Land's End Airport during Storm Goretti on 8 January had led to its winter maintenance programme running into May - two months behind schedule.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said this had impacted services as it caused an aircraft shortage and delayed pilot training.
'Unwelcome start'
Hinkles said the service would run through the remainder of the summer season once the temporary suspension was lifted.
He added all impacted customers would be offered rebooking options from Land's End or Newquay and receive a refund for the difference in fare.
Free car parking will also be offered to affected passengers who choose to being their trip at Land's End.
"We intend that this temporary change will provide greater stability across the Skybus operation," Hinkles said.
"We look forward to welcoming Exeter back to our schedule from 4 June and take this opportunity both to apologise again for this unwelcome start to the summer 2026 season and to thank our customers for their patience and understanding."
In April, Skybus announced it had cancelled flights between Newquay and London Gatwick following a "huge rise in the cost of fuel following the war in the Gulf" along with a "significant drop" in bookings.
