Jersey Airport Executive Lounge Closes, 18 Jobs Reportedly Lost
- markdarrenwilkinso
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Eighteen staff members at Jersey Airport are facing redundancy following the closure of the Executive Lounge next month.
The lounge, operated by Airline Services and located between Gates 2 and 3, is scheduled to shut on Saturday 18 October. The company had previously been told the facility would remain open, even as the upstairs viewing gallery was redeveloped into a new premium lounge managed by No.1 Lounges.
Airline Services has been a long-standing presence at Jersey Airport, working with British Airways since 1996 as a ground handling agent. Although Swissport took over BA’s ground handling operations in 2022, Airline Services continued to run the Executive Lounge and provide other support services.
However, it is now understood that British Airways has reached an agreement with No.1 Lounges to direct its passengers to the new upstairs facility. Staff at Airline Services were reportedly offered roles with No.1 Lounges but declined, believing the downstairs lounge was set to be refurbished and retained.
A Ports of Jersey spokesperson acknowledged the impact of the decision and praised Airline Services’ contribution:
“Airline Services has provided a valued lounge service at the airport for many years, and Ports of Jersey would like to recognise the significant and positive contribution they have made to the passenger experience throughout that time.”
The spokesperson added that the new No.1 Lounge, created in partnership with local contractors and suppliers, is already proving popular with passengers and “showcases the character and essence of the island.”
Ports of Jersey confirmed that British Airways has opted to use the No.1 Lounge from October but said details of the arrangement were a matter for BA’s parent company, IAG, and No.1 Lounges. Both BA and IAG declined to comment.
Looking ahead, Ports of Jersey said it remains committed to supporting affected staff where possible and is working with airport partners to explore alternative employment opportunities.
The space previously occupied by the Executive Lounge is expected to form part of wider airport redevelopment plans, though discussions remain at an early stage.