Why Loganair Abandoned Its Bid for Guernsey-Jersey and Southampton Routes

January 10, 2026 at 01:31 AM•2 min read

Loganair has withdrawn its applications for Guernsey-Jersey and Guernsey-Southampton air transport licences after the Transport Licensing Authority provisionally denied them.

Key Points

1Loganair withdrew two licence applications for Guernsey-Jersey and Guernsey-Southampton routes following a provisional denial by the Transport Licensing Authority (TLA).
2The licensing requirement was introduced after the Blue Islands collapse in November 2025 to safeguard 'essential air routes' in the Channel Islands.
3The TLA approved the application from States-owned airline Aurigny for the Guernsey-Jersey route, securing that service from January 15, 2026.
4Loganair has pivoted its strategy to focus on delivering reliable service from its existing base in Jersey.

Scottish carrier Loganair has formally abandoned its applications for two key air transport licences in Guernsey. The airline sought to operate Guernsey-Jersey and Guernsey-Southampton routes. This decision follows a provisional denial by the Guernsey Transport Licensing Authority (TLA). Loganair stated it was "disappointed not to be able to serve the Guernsey community." The airline will now focus its efforts on delivering service from its base in Jersey.

Background on Essential Routes

This licensing process began after the sudden collapse of regional carrier Blue Islands in November 2025. The collapse caused significant disruption to Channel Islands air travel. In response, the States of Guernsey moved to protect vital connections. They designated several routes as Guernsey essential routes. These routes require an air transport licence to ensure minimum service levels. Essential routes include services to London Gatwick, Alderney, and Southampton. The Guernsey-Jersey inter-island connection also became an essential route from January 15, 2026.

The Licensing Process

The TLA, chaired by Deputy John Gollop, received three air transport licences Guernsey applications. One application was from Aurigny, the States of Guernsey-owned airline. Aurigny sought to operate the crucial Guernsey-Jersey service. The TLA approved this Aurigny route approval in December 2025. The other two applications were the Loganair route applications for the inter-island and Southampton services. The TLA provisionally denied both of these applications. Loganair had the right to appeal this provisional ruling. However, the Scottish carrier chose to withdraw from the process entirely.

Loganair's Strategic Shift

Loganair confirmed it was notified of the decision on Friday afternoon. The airline said it was "not surprised at this outcome". CEO Luke Farajallah emphasized a new focus on service reliability in Jersey. "Our focus is simple: deliver day in, day out aviation solutions for Islanders," Farajallah stated. The airline is now cancelling and refunding affected passengers. Loganair still believes it should play a part in serving the Channel Islands community. The carrier remains open for dialogue with States leadership. This move solidifies Aurigny's position on the vital Guernsey-Jersey air services.

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