โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
St. Mary's Airport (ISC) is the primary aviation hub for the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago located approximately 45 kilometers off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England. It serves as a vital transportation link for the island's residents and a key entry point for the thousands of tourists who visit annually to enjoy the islands' mild climate, white-sand beaches, and unique biodiversity. The airport features a single paved runway 14/32 extending 600 meters, specifically designed to handle specialized short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft like the De Havilland Twin Otter.
The terminal building at St. Mary's is modern, efficient, and reflects the welcoming atmosphere of Scillonian life. It provides essential services for domestic travelers, including streamlined check-in counters for Skybus, a security screening area, and a comfortable departure lounge with panoramic views of the airfield and the Atlantic Ocean. Amenities within the terminal include a small cafe offering local Cornish products and refreshments, a retail shop featuring island-made gifts, and essential traveler facilities such as charging stations and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The airport is owned and operated by the Council of the Isles of Scilly and is recognized for its professional and friendly service.
Ground transportation at ISC is well-organized, with several local taxi services and shuttle buses that connect the airport directly to Hugh Town, the islands' main settlement and ferry port. The airport's location on the southern part of St. Mary's provides a tranquil arrival experience, surrounded by scenic coastal paths and historic sites. For visitors exploring the natural wonders of the archipelago, including the neighboring off-islands, St. Mary's Airport offers a professional and highly accessible regional gateway, significantly reducing the travel time compared to the sea crossing from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through St. Mary's Airport (ISC) is a straightforward and generally relaxed experience, as the facility handles a manageable volume of domestic traffic, primarily linked to Land's End (LEQ), Newquay (NQY), and Exeter (EXT). If you are traveling on a single ticket with Isles of Scilly Skybus, your checked baggage will typically be transferred automatically to your final destination, allowing you to remain in the secure departures lounge for your onward domestic flight. However, it is always wise to confirm this at your initial check-in point. For self-transfers or passengers traveling on separate tickets, it is recommended to allow between 60 and 90 minutes.
This provides a sufficient buffer to collect your luggage from the single arrivals hall and proceed back to the departures level for re-check-in within the same terminal building. The airport's compact layout ensures that walking distances are minimal, making the transition between flights very quick. Security wait times are typically under 15 minutes, although it is always wise to allow extra time during the peak summer tourism season when the islands can experience higher visitor volumes. While waiting at the terminal, passengers can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and utilize the free Wi-Fi provided throughout the building.
Several comfortable seating areas are available throughout the passenger zones. If you find yourself with a layover of more than four hours, a quick trip into Hugh Town to explore the local shops or walk along the historic Garrison walls is an excellent way to spend your time. Always keep your boarding pass and a valid identification easily accessible throughout your time in the airport. In the event of a flight delay or missed connection, the Skybus service counters are
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bembridge Airport (BBP) is a charming and historic unlicensed aerodrome located on the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight. Primarily serving the general aviation community, it offers a more intimate and relaxed experience compared to major mainland hubs. The airfield features a main asphalt runway and a parallel grass strip, which is particularly popular with recreational pilots during the dryer summer months. The airport's operational hours are generally restricted to daylight, with radio services provided during specific windows, making it essential for pilots to obtain Prior Permission Required (PPR) before arrival.
The focal point of the airport's social life and passenger facilities is The Propeller Inn, a traditional pub and restaurant located right next to the airfield. It offers home-cooked meals and a great vantage point for watching aircraft movements, making it a popular destination for both visiting pilots and local residents. Adjacent to the inn, the Wight Aviation Museum provides a fascinating look into the island's rich aerospace heritage, including exhibits on the locally built Britten-Norman Islander and Saunders-Roe aircraft. These facilities serve as the 'terminal' for most visitors, providing a welcoming atmosphere and essential refreshments.
Facilities at the airfield are functional and tailored to the needs of light aircraft. There are no traditional check-in desks or security gates; instead, pilots and passengers enjoy a streamlined process that emphasizes ease of access and safety. Parking is strictly controlled and typically located on the North side of the runway to ensure clear access. Visitors are reminded to follow designated pathways and avoid crossing active runways at all times. The airport's unique position near the coast and the village of Bembridge requires strict adherence to noise abatement procedures, including avoiding overflights of the residential areas to maintain positive community relations.
๐ Connection Tips
Bembridge Airport (BBP) is primarily a general aviation gateway to the Isle of Wight, meaning traditional commercial airline connections are not available on-site. For most visitors arriving via private charter or the Wingly platform, ground transportation is the primary means of connecting to the rest of the island. Local taxi services are readily available but often require pre-booking, especially during the busy summer months. A car rental service can also be arranged with prior notice, providing the most flexibility for exploring the island's scenic coastlines and inland attractions.
For those needing to connect to the UK mainland or international destinations, the journey typically involves a combination of local transport and a cross-Solent ferry. The nearest major ferry links are in Ryde (Fastcat to Portsmouth) and Fishbourne (Wightlink to Portsmouth), both within a 15-20 minute drive from the airfield. Alternatively, the Red Funnel services from East Cowes to Southampton provide access to the rail network at Southampton Central, which offers direct trains to London Waterloo and Southampton Airport (SOU). Public bus services operated by Southern Vectis serve the nearby village of Bembridge, with route 8 connecting to Sandown, Newport, and Ryde.
While the walk from the airfield to the nearest bus stop is manageable for those with light luggage, a short taxi ride is recommended for comfort. Travelers should note that the airport is unlicensed and operates under Prior Permission Required (PPR) rules, so all flight connections must be coordinated directly with the airfield management to ensure serviceability and ground support availability. Always check the weather forecast, as Isle of Wight ferry and air services can be affected by high winds or poor visibility.
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