New flights are launching a gorgeous UK archiplego hailed as the UK’s answer to the Maldives.

The Isles of Scilly are a group of more than 200 islands and rocks 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall, known for their picturesque landscapes.

The archipelago has been part of the Duchy of Cornwall since its foundation in the beginning in the 14th century and just five of them are currently inhabited: St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes, and Bryher.

St Mary’s is the largest, and is home to four holiday rentals owned by the Duke of Cornwall, currently heir to the throne, Prince William.

Skybus, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s airline, has now announced a major expansion of its services at Newquay for this summer.

There are currently three weekly flights to St Mary’s Airport, but from May 12, this will be increased to two daily from Monday to Saturday, with morning and afternoon departures in either direction, reports CornwallLive.

A third flight will also be added each day at lunchtimes (Monday to Saturday) from July 1, as per the outlet.

Flights between Newquay airport and St Mary’s Airport in the Isles of Scilly are currently suspended for a winter break, but will resume on March 31.

Skybus said its expects the expanded schedule and the connectivity it brings to the archipelago to allow it to fly over seven times more passengers via Newquay this summer.

The scheduling is designed to enable passengers to book connecting flights via Cornwall Airport Newquay various locations throughout the country, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

The flights, which take just 30 minutes, will be operated by the carrier’s four 17-seat DHC6 Twin Otter planes.

Skybus managing director Jonathan Hinkles, who is newly appointed to role, said this week: “Our expansion at Cornwall Airport Newquay is great news for customers, bringing new connectivity, more seats and more travel options for those flying to and from the Isles of Scilly.

He called the announcedment “a significant step for both Skybus and the communities we serve, and we have every confidence that the enhanced Newquay links will prove popular”.

Amy Smith, Cornwall Airport Newquay’s head of commercial, said: “It’s fantastic news to see Skybus expanding its services at Cornwall Airport Newquay for the summer ’25 season.

“This significant boost in flights underscores the strong partnership we’ve built over more than three decades and reinforces our airport’s role as a vital gateway for the Isles of Scilly.”