St. Mary's Airport (ISC)

St. Mary's Airport (IATA: ISC, ICAO: EGHE) is the primary aerial gateway to the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago located off the southwestern coast of Cornwall. It serves as an essential transport link for both residents and tourists, providing the fastest connection to the UK mainland and playing a vital role in the islands' economy and accessibility.

First opened in 1937 with a grass airstrip, the airport's strategic importance grew during the Second World War when it operated as RAF St Mary's. After the war, it transitioned to full civilian use, becoming the cornerstone of the islands' modern transport infrastructure. Over the decades, it has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of paved runways and a modern terminal building, cementing its status as a crucial lifeline for the remote community.

The airport is conveniently situated on the island of St. Mary's, approximately one mile east of the main settlement, Hugh Town. The journey between the airport and the town is short, typically taking less than ten minutes by road. Travelers can access the airport via pre-booked island shuttle services or local taxis. Given the island's small scale, walking to the airport is also a feasible option for those with minimal luggage staying nearby.

Operations at St. Mary's are exclusively domestic, connecting the islands to mainland airports. The principal airline is Isles of Scilly Skybus, which operates a fleet of small fixed-wing aircraft on scheduled routes to and from Land's End, Newquay, and Exeter. Additionally, Penzance Helicopters offers a rotary-wing service connecting St. Mary's with a heliport near Penzance. The airport handles tens of thousands of passengers annually, with traffic peaking during the summer tourist season.

The compact terminal building is functional and efficient. Inside, passengers will find a check-in area, a departures lounge, and baggage reclaim facilities. Amenities include a café and bar serving refreshments and light meals, and a small shop offering local Scillonian products, gifts, and travel essentials.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive at least one hour before their scheduled departure. It is crucial to verify baggage allowances directly with the airline, as the small aircraft used have stricter weight and size limitations than larger commercial jets. Pre-booking onward transport from the airport is highly recommended. As flights can be subject to weather-related delays, travelers should monitor their flight status and allow for flexibility in their plans.