Another significant player in the UK's regional aviation sector has ceased operations, with Blue Islands grounding all flights and entering suspension. The Channel Islands-based carrier announced the immediate end of its services on Friday, 14 November 2025, leaving thousands of passengers with cancelled travel plans and approximately 100 staff members without employment.
A Second Blow to Regional Connectivity
This marks the second failure of a regional airline in less than three weeks, following the collapse of Eastern Airways on 28 October. Blue Islands, which had been operating for two decades, maintained a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft connecting islands in the English Channel with mainland Britain. The airline's main operational base was in Guernsey, with a primary route network linking Jersey to English airports including Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton.
The carrier also provided a vital inter-island service between Guernsey and Jersey, alongside its Southampton route. The sudden nature of the collapse has created significant disruption for the island communities heavily dependent on these air links.
Immediate Fallout and Passenger Guidance
Visitors to the Blue Islands website are now met with a stark message confirming the suspension of trading and the cancellation of all future flights. The statement strongly advises passengers: "Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements."
For those holding advance reservations, the advice varies depending on how the booking was made:
- Direct bookings: Contact your bank or card provider for refunds.
- Bookings via codeshare partner Aurigny: Contact Aurigny directly, as some flights may still operate.
- Bookings through travel agents: Seek guidance and rebooking from the original booking company.
The airline's financial troubles were previously signalled by an outstanding debt. During the Covid pandemic, the Jersey government provided an £8.5 million loan to Blue Islands. A report from August 2025 indicated that £7 million of this sum remained unpaid.
Government and Industry Response
Jersey’s Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar, expressed her sadness at the news, stating her immediate thoughts were with the affected employees and disrupted travellers. She confirmed that support is available for Jersey-based staff and emphasised the critical importance of air connectivity for the island.
"Government is working with an alternative airline to ensure that Jersey has reliable and sustainable air links for the long term," Millar assured. This contingency planning has yielded rapid results.
In a swift move to fill the void, Scottish airline Loganair has announced it will launch services on key routes from Sunday, 16 November. The Glasgow-based carrier is offering "rescue fares" at £80 for a one-way journey, stating it is "proud to be stepping in to support the people of Jersey."
Furthermore, flights originally scheduled to be operated by Blue Islands between London Gatwick and Newquay in Cornwall on behalf of Skybus, due to start on 23 November, are expected to proceed as planned with an alternative aircraft. Services on British Airways and easyJet from Jersey to Gatwick and other English airports continue to operate unaffected.
