Skybus aircraft. Photo: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock A regional UK airline has pulled its London route earlier than planned, citing rising fuel costs and weak demand as pressure mounts across the aviation sector.
Skybus, "the trusted regional airline connecting South West communities" that has been offering more than four decades of "safe, reliable, and friendly service", has confirmed it will be canceling its service between London Gatwick Airport and Newquay, bringing forward the route’s closure by two months. The flights, originally scheduled to run until the end of May 2026, will now end significantly sooner.
The airline only introduced the route in November 2025, stepping in after Eastern Airways ceased operations on the connection.
Managing Director Jonathan Hinckley: “At a time of economic uncertainty and global efforts to reduce energy use, it is neither environmentally nor financially viable to continue operating with reduced demand."
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be offered full refunds.
The route had been marketed as a fast and relatively affordable alternative to rail travel, cutting journey time to around 80 minutes compared to roughly five hours by train.