A regional airline in the UK has cancelled its London service well ahead of schedule, citing rising fuel costs and low passenger demand as the aviation sector grapples with the repercussions of the Middle East crisis.
Skybus announced it will discontinue its daily flights between London Gatwick Airport and Newquay two months earlier than originally planned. The route, which had only begun operating in November 2025, was scheduled to continue until May 31.
This service was launched after the collapse of Eastern Airways, which had previously operated this route. However, increasing cost pressures have compelled Skybus to withdraw from the route sooner than anticipated, as reported by GB News.
Jonathan Hinckley, managing director of the airline, explained that the decision was influenced by a combination of rising fuel prices and insufficient passenger demand. The ongoing turmoil in global energy markets has sharply increased aviation fuel costs, significantly impacting profit margins, particularly for smaller carriers.
He said: “At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is either environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.”
Affected passengers will be offered full refunds, the airline confirmed.
The flights, which took around one hour and 20 minutes, were priced from £79.99 each way and provided a significantly faster alternative to rail travel. Journeys by train between London and Newquay typically take around five hours and require at least one change, making the route attractive for both leisure travellers and business passengers.
Despite Skybus’s withdrawal, other airlines continue to serve the route. Ryanair operates year-round flights between Newquay and London Stansted, while easyJet is set to launch a new service to Newquay from June 23.
A Cornwall Airport Newquay spokesperson said: “We are actively working with airline partners to secure sustainable London connectivity for the future.”
The cancellation highlights the growing pressure on the aviation industry as fuel costs surge amid geopolitical tensions. Smaller regional routes, often operating on tighter margins, are particularly vulnerable to sudden spikes in operating expenses and demand fluctuations.
With uncertainty over energy supplies continuing, industry analysts warn that further route cuts or fare increases may follow, especially if fuel prices remain elevated into the peak summer season.
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