Concerns have emerged regarding the sustainability of Cornwall’s airport following the abrupt termination of its daily service to London.
Skybus announced the cancellation of its Newquay to Gatwick route on Wednesday, attributing the decision to escalating fuel costs. This service was part of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract that was set to conclude on May 31.
Toby Parkins, president of the county’s Chamber of Commerce, expressed his apprehension, stating, „The income into the airport is going to be considerably down… [The] majority of their revenue was actually coming from that daily flight.“
Changes in Flight Services
Cornwall Airport Newquay indicated that the cancellation was beyond its control but remains „confident in the airport’s future.“
While Ryanair will continue its year-round service to London Stansted, EasyJet is set to introduce a new summer service to Gatwick in June. However, Parkins emphasized that substituting a daily route with two weekly flights to Gatwick does not equate to a comparable service.
He elaborated, stating that the daily Skybus route generated approximately £2,000 per landing, in stark contrast to low-cost airlines that charge around £600 and operate less frequently.
Tourism and Economic Concerns
Parkins also highlighted the potential repercussions for Cornwall’s tourism sector. „If we look at the long term, if the airport is not viable and it has become less viable without the PSO, then actually there are going to be big questions long term for people coming to Cornwall,“ he remarked.
He added, „But also Cornish residents that currently enjoy relatively cheap flights to other countries for their holidays. I think that could be put at risk now.“
Airport’s Response
In a statement, Cornwall Airport Newquay acknowledged that changes to flight schedules „naturally have an impact“ but asserted that „no single service defines our long-term financial stability.“ The airport emphasized its diverse array of routes and airline partnerships, stating its commitment to „maintaining accessible pricing and choice.“
„We remain confident in the airport’s future and are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen connectivity, support the local economy, and provide reliable, value-for-money travel options for the region,“ the airport added.
Investment and Connectivity Challenges
Dennis Lucan, an investment portfolio manager at the Cornwall Angel Network, which connects anonymous investors with Cornish projects, expressed concern about the implications of losing the PSO. He noted that the network aims to attract individuals and organizations from major cities to Cornwall to showcase a selection of „highly investable companies, hoping to create jobs“ in the area.
„But if you think about it, how are these people going to get here?“ he questioned. „These are the type of individuals and organizations that need to be able to come to Cornwall in the morning and leave at the end of the day.“
Lucan argued that eliminating the PSO represents a regression, further isolating Cornwall from the rest of the UK.
Tourism Alliance’s Perspective
Alistair Handyside from the South West Tourism Alliance remarked, „It’s another connection that’s gone.“ He noted that the southwest region is „feeling a little bit bruised“ by the decline in investment.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in Cornwall remain watchful of the airport’s future and its implications for the local economy and tourism.
Bildquelle: Foto von Donna White auf Unsplash
