Ports report rise in travel to and from Jersey

Travel to and from Jersey rose sharply in January, with more than 85,000 passenger journeys recorded, new figures show.

Data released by Ports of Jersey revealed a 15% year-on-year increase in travellers using the harbour, alongside a 4% rise in airport passenger numbers compared with January 2025.

Ferry operator DFDS also reported strong growth, saying passenger numbers on its Jersey–St Malo sailings were up 31% on the same month last year. The company said bookings for 2026 were already exceeding expectations, with more group travel confirmed for the coming summer than was secured during the entirety of last year.

The positive figures follow a challenging period for tourism. Visitor numbers dipped last summer, with 75,100 arrivals recorded in August — a fall of 18,400 compared with the previous year.

Since taking over Jersey routes in March, DFDS has faced criticism over timetabling, freight costs, reliability and the limited number of inter-island services. However, route director Chris Parker said the latest data pointed to renewed confidence in the island’s transport links.

“The strength of growth across our Jersey services, combined with very encouraging forward bookings for the summer, shows demand for travel to and from the island remains strong,” he said.

Mr Parker added that DFDS would continue working with partners in the UK and France to boost tourism and increase passenger numbers on Channel routes.

Business leaders have welcomed the figures, describing them as a positive signal for the island’s economy. Jersey Chamber of Commerce president Lee Madden said passenger traffic through the airport and harbour was a key measure of economic health.

While encouraged by the January performance, Mr Madden said he was particularly optimistic about future regional connections.

“Jersey continues to show real strength in its connectivity,” he said. “Airlines and operators including easyJet, British Airways, Jet2, KLM, Loganair, Aurigny, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa and DFDS are all planning significant growth in 2026.

“This expansion will improve access to the island and highlights the crucial role strong transport links play in supporting long-term economic prosperity.”