Isles of Scilly St. Mary’s Airport

Isles of Scilly St. Mary’s Airport (ISC/EGHE): The Ultimate Guide to Flights & Travel to the Scillies

St. Mary’s Airport (ISC/EGHE) serves as the primary and most essential aerial gateway to the breathtaking Isles of Scilly archipelago, located just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, England. This vital regional airport, situated on the largest island, St. Mary’s, is crucial for both island residents and the thousands of tourists who flock to the islands for their pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and tranquil escape. Owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and meticulously operated by the Council of the Isles of Scilly, the airport ensures year-round connectivity to the UK mainland, underpinning the islands’ economy and way of life.

General Airport Information

As a small, yet fully operational domestic airport, ISC provides a streamlined, characteristically friendly island travel experience. It is the central hub for inter-island and mainland aerial services.

Airlines and Key Destinations: Connecting the Mainland

The airport’s flight operations are highly specialised, focusing on domestic services that are crucial for transporting passengers, cargo, and mail.

• Fixed-Wing Services (Skybus): The principal airline operating out of ISC is Isles of Scilly Skybus. They typically use DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, which are perfectly suited for the airport’s environment and runway length. Skybus offers scheduled year-round services:
  • Destinations: Land’s End Airport (LEQ), Newquay Airport (NQY), and Exeter Airport (EXT). The Exeter route generally operates seasonally or with increased frequency during peak summer months.
  • SEO Tip: Travellers looking for the most flexible flight options should check the seasonal timetables, as winter services often concentrate on Land’s End and Newquay.
• Rotary-Wing Services (Helicopter): For an alternative route, Penzance Helicopters provides a popular service, connecting St. Mary’s directly to the modern Penzance Heliport. This offers excellent speed and convenience, often running daily services throughout the year, weather permitting.

Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services

St. Mary’s Airport boasts a single, compact terminal that reflects the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the islands. The focus is on efficiency and essential services, ensuring a smooth transition between the mainland and island life.

• Check-in and Security: One of the airport’s most distinctive features is the lack of a traditional, intensive security screening process common at larger UK airports. Passengers are required to present a valid ID for check-in. The process is quick and personal.
• Dining: The terminal hosts a charming Airport Café, offering passengers a selection of hot drinks, light snacks, sandwiches, and local treats. It’s an ideal spot to relax while enjoying views of the runway and surrounding island scenery.
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building for all passengers.
• Accessibility: The single-level terminal design ensures excellent accessibility. Ramps and staff assistance are readily available, making movement easy for passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance can be arranged in advance via the airlines or the airport management team.
• Pet Travel: The airport is pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on a leash in public areas up to the point of boarding, a reflection of the islands’ welcoming culture.

Ground Transportation and Parking on St. Mary’s

Getting to and from the airport on St. Mary’s is straightforward and tailored to the small scale of the island.

• Island Transfers Service: This highly efficient, dedicated service meets every scheduled flight. They offer transport, often in minibuses or large taxis, directly to your accommodation or to the quay for onward travel to the off-islands. Luggage is usually handled seamlessly, removing the need for pre-booking a separate taxi.
• Taxis: A small fleet of local taxis is available at the rank outside the terminal. The journey to Hugh Town, the island capital, takes approximately 5 minutes and is very reasonably priced.
• Car Rental: Car hire is highly limited and not a common choice due to the island’s size. Most visitors rely on walking, cycling, or the Island Transfer service.
• Parking: A small, complimentary car park is available for passengers who need to leave a vehicle while traveling off-island.

Contact and Location Information

For up-to-date flight status, booking inquiries, or general airport information, please use the official channels below.