First Skybus flight of 2025 takes off from Cornwall Airport Newquay

The first Skybus flight of 2025 took off from Cornwall Airport Newquay yesterday (Monday, March 31st) – heralding the start of a busy season ahead.

Skybus has been flying from Cornwall Airport Newquay since June 1992, a successful partnership spanning 33 years and the airport’s longest serving airline.

The airline, owned and operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, has flown almost 400,000 passengers on more than 40,000 flights from Newquay to Scilly.

Earlier this year Skybus announced a major expansion of its service at Cornwall Airport Newquay for the summer season.

The route will go from last year’s three weekly flights to two flights every day (Monday to Saturday) from 12th May, with a choice of morning and afternoon departures in each direction. A further increase will see a third flight added each day at lunchtimes (Monday to Saturday) from 1st July.  

In all, Skybus expects to fly over seven times more passengers via Newquay this summer thanks to its expanded schedule and the connectivity it brings for the Isles of Scilly. Flight timings are designed to enable passengers to arrange connecting flights via Cornwall Airport Newquay to a wide range of destinations throughout the UK, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and beyond.

The 30-minute flights between Newquay and St Mary’s will be operated by the airline’s four-strong fleet of 17-seat DHC6 Twin Otter aircraft.

Skybus Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We are proud to be Cornwall Airport Newquay’s longest serving airline and are delighted to be back operating after a winter break.

“The route is hugely popular and we expect another busy season ahead with our expansion, which offers new connectivity, more seats and more travel options for those flying to and from the Isles of Scilly.”

Amy Smith, Head of Commercial, Cornwall Airport Newquay, commented: “It’s fantastic news to see Skybus expanding its services at Cornwall Airport Newquay for the summer 25 season. This significant boost in flights underscores the strong partnership we’ve built over more than three decades and reinforces our airport’s role as a vital gateway for the Isles of Scilly.

“The enhanced schedule not only provides greater convenience and connectivity for passengers but also highlights the continued demand for this popular route. We’re excited to support Skybus as it creates even more opportunities for travel between our unique regions.”

Flights can be booked through the Skybus website.