UK airline ceases all flights as thousands left stranded and trips cancelled

UK-based Blue Islands airline ceased operations, stranding thousands of passengers and canceling all flights after two decades of service, marking the second regional airline collapse in three weeks.

Key Points

1Blue Islands airline ceased operations, grounding all flights.
2The airline operated a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft.
3Thousands of passengers are stranded, and flights are canceled.
4Aurigny and Loganair are increasing capacity to assist affected passengers.
5Jersey government is working to restore air links with an alternative airline.

Blue Islands, a Channel Islands-based airline, abruptly ceased operations, grounding all flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The airline, which had served destinations throughout the British Isles for two decades, employed approximately 100 staff. This collapse follows closely on the heels of Eastern Airways' failure three weeks prior, highlighting the financial pressures facing regional carriers. The Jersey government had previously provided Blue Islands with significant financial support, a portion of which remains outstanding.

The airline operated a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft, primarily connecting Jersey with English airports such as Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton, as well as providing inter-island connections. Passengers holding existing bookings are advised to contact their bank or payment card company for refunds if they purchased tickets directly. For bookings made through codeshare partner Aurigny, passengers are instructed to contact Aurigny directly, as some flights may still be operating. Bookings made through travel agents or holiday companies should be addressed to the respective booking company for guidance.

Jersey's Treasury and Resources Minister expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of maintaining air connections for the island. The government is actively working with an alternative airline to ensure reliable and sustainable air links for the long term. Aurigny and Loganair are increasing capacity on their schedules to accommodate Blue Islands passengers. Loganair is launching services from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton, while Aurigny has introduced flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes, initially until Wednesday.

Both Aurigny and Loganair are offering special fares to assist passengers affected by the Blue Islands collapse. Loganair stated its understanding of the worrying situation for travelers and its commitment to starting operations promptly. Aurigny expressed sadness about Blue Islands ceasing trading and affirmed its immediate action to assist Blue Islands customers across the Channel Islands. The sudden cessation of Blue Islands' operations underscores the volatility in the regional airline sector and the critical role of government support and contingency planning in maintaining essential air services.