Regional airline suspends operations, cancelling all flights
Key Points
- 1Blue Islands has suspended operations and canceled all flights.
- 2The airline cited the Jersey government's decision to withhold further financial support as the reason for the closure.
- 3Aurigny and Loganair are offering rescue fares and additional services to assist stranded passengers.
- 4Blue Islands borrowed £8.5 million from the government of Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 5The Guernsey Hospitality Association warns of a potential monopoly in Guernsey's air links following the closure.
- 6Blue Islands had been serving the Channel Islands for 26 years.
Blue Islands, a regional airline based in the Channel Islands, has suspended trading and canceled all flights, effective immediately. The airline, which operated flights from Jersey and Guernsey to destinations including Southampton, Bristol, and Paris, cited the Jersey government's decision to withhold further financial support as the catalyst for its collapse. Passengers holding tickets are advised not to travel to the airport and to seek refunds through their bank, credit card provider, or travel agent. The sudden cessation of operations has stranded passengers and raised concerns about the future of regional air connectivity.
Several airlines, including Aurigny and Loganair, have stepped in to offer rescue fares and additional services to mitigate the disruption. Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) is also working to support patients with upcoming medical appointments in the UK. The closure of Blue Islands follows a period of financial strain, during which the airline borrowed £8.5 million from the government of Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic, with £7 million still outstanding as of last summer.
Blue Islands' history dates back to 1999, initially operating as Le Cocq's Air Link before rebranding as Rockhopper and later Blue Islands. The airline briefly operated as a Flybe franchise partner before reverting to its original name in 2020 following Flybe's collapse. The Guernsey Hospitality Association has described Blue Islands' demise as a "wake-up call," highlighting the fragility of regional airlines and the need for greater competition in the market. The association also expressed concern that Guernsey's air links model is likely to go from an 85% monopoly to a 100% monopoly.
The airline's spokesperson expressed regret for the suspension of operations after 26 years of service to the Channel Islands. They indicated that the decision followed constructive dialogue with the government of Jersey, but that the sudden withdrawal of support left the airline with no alternative but to cease flying while considering available options for customers, staff, and stakeholders. The collapse of Blue Islands underscores the challenges faced by regional airlines in maintaining financial viability amid fluctuating demand and rising operating costs.
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