Jobs at Cornwall Airport Newquay could be at risk as the local council considers major changes to the way the facility operates in response to rising costs and continuing financial losses.The warning was delivered by independent councillor Tim Dwelly, the cabinet member for economic regeneration, during a meeting of the sustainable growth scrutiny committee on Tuesday.He told councillors significant operational changes were likely and acknowledged staffing levels could be affected.“I’m not going to beat about the bush here — we are going to have to expect a very major change in how the airport is run and that might mean that the number of jobs there or the hours may have to change,” he said.”There is no point in pretending that’s not going to be at least on the table, but there’s nothing firm yet.”The comments follow earlier warnings from Mr Dwelly “quite serious cost‑cutting measures” were likely to be necessary at the council‑owned airport.Cornwall Airport Newquay occupies a 650‑acre site and has long relied on substantial public funding to support its operations, with underlying trading losses regularly exceeding £4million a year.The council has already taken steps to reduce expenditure after voting earlier this year to end support for the Public Service Obligation route between Newquay and London Gatwick.Jobs at Cornwall Airport Newquay could be at risk as the local council considers major changes to the way the facility operates | CORNWALL AIRPORTIt had been subsidised by both local and central government but became financially unsustainable after the withdrawal of central funding.The collapse of Eastern Airways, which operated the route, left the airport facing an additional £1.4million shortfall.Mr Dwelly told the committee rising operational costs remained a major concern.The council has commissioned external consultants to review airport operations and identify potential efficiencies, with findings expected within the next month.Airport management has begun introducing measures aimed at increasing revenue and reducing expenditure | CORNWALL AIRPORTIn parallel, airport management has begun introducing measures aimed at increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.One change has been an increase in parking charges, which the council says has generated additional income without discouraging passengers.The authority is also seeking to maximise returns from surrounding land through commercial development such as factories, hotels and distribution centres, which would generate business-rate income and ground rent over time.However, Mr Dwelly stressed more immediate action would still be required, saying the airport would need to be run as “a lean machine” and the forthcoming study was likely to recommend changes.The airport is also preparing for a change in leadership.Managing director Amy Smith will leave later this year to take up another role, meaning a replacement will need to be appointed.Despite the financial difficulties, council leaders believe there are opportunities for future growth.Airlines have reportedly expressed interest in launching new services from Newquay, with discussions ongoing over potential routes, though any new operations will need to demonstrate they can run profitably and deliver financial benefits to the council.The authority is also examining whether the airport could secure a cargo and freight licence, which could provide an additional income stream and strengthen its long‑term financial position.Councillors are expected to consider the findings of the operational review once the consultants’ report is published in the coming weeks.