About Skysouth
Skysouth was a passenger airline based at Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport that operated from June 2006 to February 2009. The airline specialized in offering fast, frequent services between the UK and Northern France with flight times of just 40-55 minutes and a 30-minute check-in process, ensuring the fastest possible journey to Northern France.
With its base at Shoreham Airport, Britain's oldest licensed airport, Skysouth provided a charming alternative to the typical airport experience. No queues, no lengthy formalities, and no need to arrive hours before departure - just a friendly, efficient, and pleasant way to cross the Channel to Normandy and Pas de Calais.
Skysouth's destinations included:
- Caen (Caen - Carpiquet Airport)
- Deauville (Deauville - Saint-Gatien Airport)
- Le Touquet (Le Touquet - Côte d'Opale Airport)
With up to 22 flights weekly during high-season, Skysouth's Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain aircraft made business trips and holidays to Northern France hassle-free. Unfortunately, due to unprecedented economic conditions, Skysouth ceased operations in February 2009.
Quick Facts
- Founded: June 2006
- Base: Shoreham Airport
- Flight time: 40-55 minutes
- Check-in time: 30 minutes
- Destinations: Caen, Deauville, Le Touquet
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
- Capacity: 9 passengers
Finding Cheap Flights From The UK To France Today
While Skysouth may no longer be operating, there are still many ways to find affordable flights from the UK to France and beyond. Here are some top tips for securing the best deals on a trip across the Channel:
Timing is Everything
For short-haul flights to France, booking 2-3 months in advance typically yields the best prices. Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend departures. Use fare calendars on travel sites to identify the cheapest days to fly.
Consider Alternative Routes
London airports aren't your only option. Check flights from regional airports like Bristol, Manchester, or Southampton. Similarly, consider flying into less obvious French destinations - Lille or Nantes might be cheaper than Paris, with excellent train connections onwards.
Use a Flight Finder
Tools like flight search engines can compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. Many also offer price alerts to notify you when fares drop on your preferred route.
Mix and Match
Instead of booking return flights with one airline, consider booking flights with different carriers. This flexibility often results in better deals, especially during busy periods.
Try a Flightscanner
Comprehensive flightscanner services aggregate deals from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies, increasing your chances of finding a bargain.
Google Flights Search Anywhere
If you're flexible on your destination, the google flights search anywhere feature lets you see the cheapest places to fly to from your chosen departure point. You might discover an affordable flight to a French destination you hadn't considered!
Expert Tips for Channel Crossings
- Budget airlines: Carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair offer frequent UK-France flights at competitive prices. Just watch for additional fees for luggage, seat selection, and priority boarding.
- Consider alternatives: For some routes, Eurostar or ferry services might be comparable in total journey time when factoring in airport transfers and check-in procedures.
- Avoid peak times: French school holidays, particularly August and Christmas, see dramatically higher prices. Travel during shoulder seasons (May, June, September) for better deals and fewer crowds.
- Set price alerts: Services like Skyscanner and Google Flights let you monitor specific routes and notify you when prices drop.
- Book early morning or late evening flights: These less popular times often come with lower ticket prices.
- Check for hidden airports: Some budget airlines fly to lesser-known airports that might actually be more convenient for your final destination.
Popular UK to France Routes Today
While Skysouth is no longer operating, travelers can still find convenient flights to the beautiful regions of Normandy and Northern France. Current popular routes include:
London to Paris
Multiple daily flights from all London airports to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Paris Beauvais.
London to Northern France
Regular services to Caen, Deauville, and Nantes from Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports.
Regional UK to France
Direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol to various French destinations including Bordeaux and Nice.