AN airline that operates the subsidised route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick has cancelled the service due to high fuel costs.

Skybus was due to operate the daily flights until the Public Service Obligation contract ends on May 31, but the final flight will be tonight (April 2).

Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles blamed a rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf combined with a “significant” drop in passenger bookings.

A spokesperson for Skybus said: “The PSO air services between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick will be discontinued on April 2.

“The final flight in each direction will take place on the evening of Thursday, April 2.

“Those passengers with bookings for travel in April and May have been contacted by Skybus to offer a full refund.

“Unforeseen circumstances developing in recent weeks have led to the decision, of which Cornwall Council has been notified under the terms of the Public Service Obligation agreement between the airline and council.”

Mr Hinkles said: “The huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf, coupled to a significant drop in new passenger bookings since mid-February’s announcement of the planned closure of the PSO air route on May 31, form 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.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have supported us, whether as passengers, as local stakeholders or as team members delivering service to our customers through our recent months of Cornwall-London air service provision.”

Ryanair continues to operate a year-round service to London Stansted, whilst flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick are set to resume this summer.

Easyjet will operate a new twice-weekly service for the route, which will take off on Tuesday, 23 June and will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Airport Newquay said: "We have been informed by Skybus that the London Gatwick Public Service Obligation (PSO) service will end on April 2, 2026, ahead of the previously communicated end date.

“We recognise this will be disappointing for passengers, and our immediate priority is to support those affected.

“Customers will be contacted directly by Skybus regarding their bookings, and we are working closely with them to ensure clear and timely information is provided. This decision sits outside of the airport’s control. London connectivity does, however, remain in place.

“Ryanair continues to operate a year-round service to London Stansted, and easyJet will operate a separate, seasonal Gatwick service over the summer period to support peak leisure demand. Although this is not a direct replacement for the PSO route, London services will operate six days a week across the summer.

“We are actively working with airline partners and stakeholders to secure sustainable London connectivity for the future.”