Blue Islands Halts Operations and Cancels All Flights

In a statement released on Friday, the carrier urged customers not to travel to airports unless they had already secured alternative arrangements.

The Channel Islands–based airline, which employed around 100 people, operated services across the British Isles as well as routes to Bruges and Paris.

Jersey’s Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar, said the government was working with another airline to ensure the island maintains “reliable and sustainable long-term air links.”

Government support and contingency plans

“I am saddened by the news that Blue Islands has suspended its operations,” Millar said. “My immediate thoughts are with staff who have lost their jobs and with passengers facing travel disruption.”

She added that support for Jersey-based passengers was already in place. Pre-prepared contingency measures would allow key routes to be “quickly restored,” with medical-related travel receiving top priority.

Medical transfer passengers will be assisted through the Department of Health, while Ports of Jersey will offer guidance to those affected by the cancellations.

Financial background

Blue Islands had previously taken out an £8.5m loan from the Government of Jersey to help safeguard services during the Covid-19 pandemic. A report published in August showed that £7m of the principal was still outstanding as of June, more than halfway through the loan term.

Passengers advised to contact card providers

Confirming that all of its flights have now been cancelled, the airline advised customers who booked directly with Blue Islands to contact their bank or card issuer for assistance.

Travellers booked through its codeshare partner Aurigny were told to contact Aurigny directly, as some flights under the arrangement may continue to operate.

“We deeply regret the disruption this will cause to your travel plans,” the statement said.

Company origins

Blue Islands began operating under that name in 2006, though its roots go back to 1999 when it launched as Le Cocq’s Air Link, transporting perishable goods from Bournemouth to Alderney using Britten Norman Islander aircraft.

Passenger flights started in 2002, and the brand adopted the name Rockhopper the following year before becoming Blue Islands. According to the airline’s website, the company expanded its route network in 2020 as part of a wider brand evolution.