10 MAY 2021
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With thanks to OAG.
The fact that air travel is going through its toughest time ever, with airlines and airports operating a fraction of the scheduled capacity that used to be the norm, also means the data throws up some strange facts. Airports and flight routes which were minor players, overshadowed by international airlines and major hub airports, can now find their 15min of fame.
In April 2021, heading the OAG list of Top 10 routes from UK airports is Land’s End (LEQ) to Isles of Scilly (ISC). This 20min hop from the southernmost tip of mainland UK to a small archipelago of five inhabited islands with a permanent population of just over 2,000 has more flights than any other route. It has even increased the number of services operating from 345 per month two years ago to 363 this month.
Of course, it's still small in terms of the overall number of passengers carried, with each Twin Otter flight having capacity for just 19 passengers, although many appear to be fully booked. With one-way flights selling for nearly £100 maybe the Isles of Scilly Skybus is one airline that is still making money. The airline is owned by the same company as the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.
www.oag.com
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
David Starkie, United Kingdom
Perhaps the competition authorities should investigate ownership dominance of the routes?