Cornwall Council’s recent decision to terminate the Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights operated by Skybus has been met with significant criticism. On February 13, 2024, the council’s Liberal Democrat and Independent cabinet voted to discontinue the daily subsidised flights between Cornwall and London, aiming to reduce taxpayer burdens. The move follows two unsuccessful procurement attempts over nine months to find a commercial operator to take over the service.
Skybus announced that the last flights will take place on May 31, 2024. The PSO, which previously received funding from both Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport (DfT), has seen the DfT reduce its share of funding from two-thirds to 50 per cent. This change has intensified financial pressures on the council. Continuing the service could have cost taxpayers between £14 million and £16 million over four years.
Council’s Vision for Future Air Travel
Cabinet member Tim Dwelly stated that airlines are increasingly favouring commercial routes over subsidised services. He noted that while the decision to end the PSO could save the council money, it may lead to higher initial costs for the airport. Dwelly emphasized a shift in focus toward London City Airport, which is often preferred by business travellers. He mentioned that the PSO could be reconsidered if commercial options do not materialise.
While some councillors welcomed the cancellation of the long-standing subsidy, citing the strain on public funds and climate commitments, others expressed concern that prioritising London City Airport might limit options for tourists, negatively affecting Cornwall’s tourism sector.
Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles described the council’s decision as “bitterly ironic” given the airline’s record passenger loads. He added that the council declined to consider Skybus’s bid due to a fee dispute. Hinkles warned that the loss of DfT funding could jeopardise the airport’s financial stability, even with a limited service to London.
Community Reactions to the Decision
Community feedback has been mixed. Some residents argue that it is unfair for taxpayers to subsidise a service they do not use. One commenter, known as Comicstoreguy, questioned why ordinary working people should pay for flights that cater to a small segment of the population. In contrast, another commenter, Don O’Treply, highlighted the collective responsibility of the community in funding public services.
Others expressed frustration over the decision. A resident mentioned the high costs associated with travelling to London, including flights and train fares. They suggested that the existing routes penalise those who prefer staycations and hinder vital business connections to London’s financial district.
Concerns were also raised about the airport’s future, with one comment indicating that the London route accounts for approximately 40% of the airport’s business. This raises fears that without the PSO flights, the airport might struggle to survive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Critics of the decision have urged the council to reconsider its approach, suggesting that maintaining the PSO flights could be beneficial for Cornwall’s connectivity and economic growth. They argue that even a small subsidy could yield significant benefits compared to the much larger funds allocated to rail services.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the cancellation of PSO flights will impact businesses and residents who rely on air travel connections to London. The council’s focus on commercial operations may lead to changes in accessibility and service availability for the people of Cornwall.
