St Mary's Airport, Isles of Scilly

St Mary’s Airport is the main airport for the Isles of Scilly, operated by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and open to the travelling public as well as private pilots. Two operators currently serve it: the Skybus fixed-wing service, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, flying from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter, and Penzance Helicopters flying from Penzance Heliport.The terminal is built at ground level, with ramps to every public area and a wheelchair-accessible toilet, and wheelchairs and assistance are available on request both airside and landside. The café has panoramic views across the harbour and the islands.The islands lie roughly 30 miles south-west of Cornwall on the edge of the Atlantic, and the weather can change quickly. Air traffic control staff are experienced weather observers and keep pilots informed. More than 90 per cent of movements are public transport flights, from 20 to 120 a day depending on the season, using a narrow corridor linking Land’s End with the islands. An emergency call-out system keeps the airport available around the clock for air ambulance and search and rescue flights.Visiting general aviation pilots must submit a Prior Permission Request at least two hours ahead and call ATC on the day. Runway gradients steepen to as much as 1:33 at the ends. The fire and rescue service is provided to CAA Category 3 standards.