Regional Airline Ceases Operations, Grounds All Flights
Blue Islands, a Channel Islands-based airline, has abruptly ceased all operations and cancelled every flight, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and approximately 100 staff members without jobs. The carrier, which had been serving routes across the British Isles for two decades, suspended trading on 14 November 2025.
This dramatic closure marks the second collapse of a regional airline in less than three weeks, following Eastern Airways' cessation on 28 October. The Jersey-based operator confirmed on Friday that it had stopped trading and cancelled all forward bookings with immediate effect.
Routes Affected and Passenger Advice
Operating a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft, Blue Islands was a vital transport link for the Channel Islands. Its headquarters were in Guernsey, but its primary operation connected Jersey with English airports including Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton. From Guernsey, the airline provided services to Southampton and an inter-island route to Jersey.
The airline's website now displays a stark message for customers: "We regret to inform you that Blue Islands has suspended trading effective on 14 November 2025. All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements. We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans."
Passengers holding advance bookings are being urged to take specific actions depending on how they booked:
- Those who booked directly should contact their bank or payment card provider.
- Passengers who booked through codeshare partner Aurigny for travel on a Blue Islands flight should contact Aurigny directly, as some services may still operate.
- Anyone who booked via a travel agent or holiday company should contact that company for advice and guidance.
Government Response and Alternative Arrangements
The collapse comes despite significant financial support from the Jersey government, which had provided Blue Islands with £8.5 million in funding. A report from August 2025 indicated that £7 million of this amount remained unpaid.
Elaine Millar, Jersey's Minister for Treasury and Resources, expressed her concern about the situation. "I am saddened by the announcement that Blue Islands has suspended operations, and my immediate thoughts are with the people whose jobs have been affected and the passengers whose travel will be disrupted," she stated.
Minister Millar confirmed that government support is ready for Jersey-based employees and emphasised the critical importance of maintaining air links for the island. "Government is working with an alternative airline to ensure that Jersey has reliable and sustainable air links for the long term," she added, providing reassurance that contingency measures were in place.
In response to the crisis, rival airlines Aurigny and Loganair have stepped in to assist stranded travellers. Loganair announced it would launch new services from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton, alongside a Guernsey to Southampton route, starting Sunday, 16 November.
Meanwhile, Aurigny has introduced additional flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes, initially until Wednesday. Both carriers confirmed they are offering special fares on these services to help passengers affected by the collapse.
A spokesperson for Aurigny said the airline was "deeply saddened" by Blue Islands' failure and was taking immediate action to assist their customers across the Channel Islands.
