Cornwall's taxpayer-funded flights to London are facing a major turbulence, with a staggering **80% of seats going empty!** This shocking revelation has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the management of Newquay Airport. But here's where it gets controversial: the situation is even more complex than it seems.
The story unfolds with a Cornwall Council meeting where the concerning statistic was unveiled. This news came hot on the heels of another blow: Newquay Airport is owed nearly £1.6 million by the now-defunct Eastern Airways. This airline previously operated the Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights from Newquay to Gatwick. For those unfamiliar, a PSO is a crucial agreement ensuring essential services, like transportation, continue even if they're not profitable, supported by public funds.
Independent councillor Andrew Mitchell didn't mince words, suggesting potential 'incompetence' at the airport. He expressed concerns about decisions made behind closed doors regarding the PSO and questioned the transparency of the situation. He highlighted that this financial setback could impact the local community, potentially affecting council tax rates.
Adding to the airport's woes, the council is unlikely to recover the substantial debt from Eastern Airways, which entered administration in November.
And this is the part most people miss: The empty seats aren't just a result of poor demand. The airline Skybus, which took over the route, faced unexpected challenges. Initially, the aircraft provider, Blue Islands, pulled out just a week before the service launch. This forced Skybus to quickly find a solution to maintain the vital air link to London. The only available option was larger aircraft than typically used for regional routes.
However, Skybus has since adjusted its strategy, using a smaller aircraft with 97 seats, and will soon switch to a 78-seat aircraft, closer to the original plan. The council stated that the high number of empty seats reflected these initial contingency measures, not normal operations. They estimate that if the original aircraft had been available, the empty seat percentage would have been closer to 65%, not the current 80%. Passenger numbers are also rising, with approximately 100 seats being sold daily.
The PSO agreement, established in late 2021, ensures daily flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London. This four-year agreement, supported by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, aims to maintain the route year-round, connecting Cornwall to a major airport hub deemed crucial for the local economy. The service is now operated by Skybus, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
What do you think? Is the council doing enough to manage the airport effectively? Do you believe the challenges faced by Skybus justify the high number of empty seats, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
