Jersey Consumer Council is putting further pressure on the government for a flight compensation law.
Jersey Consumer Council Chair Carl Walker wants strengthened safeguards for passengers of Channel Islands-based airlines, such as Blue Islands, whose flights are delayed or cancelled.
Outbound flights operated by local carriers are not covered by UK or EU laws that compensate passengers for disruption.
The issue has come to the fore following recent issues for Blue Islands, which has reduced its summer schedule because of 'fleet challenges' it says are caused by a global shortage of aircraft spares.
Pushed on the question of obligating local airlines to reimburse passengers during a States Assembly meeting earlier this month, the Economic Development Minister said there were no plans for that and advised all passengers to take out travel insurance:
"It is a matter that the government is happy to look at, but there are no plans at the moment to include such compensations.
"We live on an island, and if we want to leave, we have to travel by ferry or by plane.
"It is always advisable to have travel insurance, for the possibility that there are cancellations or rescheduling.
"I advise islanders - whether they're travelling on flights that have compensation or don't - I would advise travellers to take travel insurance."
Deputy Morel said a local compensation scheme could cause 'unintended consequences' if it were to affect route viability or fares.
JCC Chair Carl Walker says there is a a 'big gap' in consumer protection:
"Post-Brexit, the UK made its own compensation law, which matches the EU's.
"We'd like for the government to either check the feasibility of extending that EU compensation law to the Channel Islands, or introduce something itself.
"As it stands, people are flying without any protection whatsoever, and it sends out a bad message to people wishing to use a local airline."
"The government seems more interested in protecting the airline than its consumers. We feel that's wrong."
Given today's prices, Mr Walker is also suggesting that airlines look again at the value of refreshment vouchers given at the airport for delayed passengers:
"If you're going to give vouchers, it needs to reflect the cost of buying a reasonable meal"
The Jersey Consumer Council survey has so far amassed more than 100 responses.
Deputy Montfort Tadier, of the Economic and International Affairs Panel, said the panel would be looking into the issue and is interested in hearing the views of consumers.
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