Loganair steps in to take some Blue Islands routes

The Scottish regional airline Logainair is stepping in to take over some routes operated by Blue Islands which has suspended operations.

Ports of Jersey has announced Loganair will takeover some services previously operated by Blue Islands from Sunday (16 November).

This includes essential medical link to Southampton for patients needing hospital treatment in the UK.

Loganair is planning to establish a permanent base in Jersey.

Special 'rescue fares' will be available to Blue Islands passengers.  Details can be found at logainair.co,uk/rescuefares

·       Jersey ↔ Guernsey

·       Jersey ↔ Exeter

·       Jersey ↔ Bristol

·       Jersey ↔ Southampton

·       Guernsey ↔ Southampton

Ports of Jersey said:

"We thank Loganair for their swift response and commitment to supporting Jersey’s connectivity at this critical moment. We look forward to collaborating with them in the weeks and months ahead as we build a strong and sustainable partnership for the island."

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer of Loganair, described the loss of Blue Islands as a 'sad day for regional aviation':

“ For almost two decades, the Blue Islands brand has played a vital role in the UK’s regional aviation market, serving Channel Island communities year-round with essential air connectivity.

"We understand how important dependable air links are, both for island residents and visitors, and we have a 63-year heritage of serving the regions of the UK. 

"In response to the news, we acted immediately to introduce flights to and from Jersey along with special fares available to ensure that affected passengers can continue to travel with minimal disruption, and to provide reassurance at what we know is an unsettling time. This will then lead to establishing a new permanent operating base in Jersey.”

Loganair is a Scottish regional airline established in 1962.  It has fleet of 36 aircraft, is headquartered in  Glasgow and operates to 35 UK destinations.

It currently flies between Guernsey and Edinburgh.

In July, Loganair announced it would begin daily Jersey-Southampton services in 2026, using its Embraer 145 jet.

It previously operated between Jersey and Edinburgh, Isle of Man and Newcastle between May and September 2021, but ended the services describing demand as 'disappointing'.

Loganair and Blue Islands had had a codeshare agreement  - a deal which enables two airlines to sell seats on the same flight - in place since 2020, but it ended in July 20205 when Loganair announced its decision to compete on the Jersey-Southampton route.

 The departures board at Jersey airport this morning showed all Blue Islands flights had been cancelled.

Blue Islands announced late on Friday night (14 November) that it was suspending operations and cancelling all flights after failing to secure rescue funding from Jersey's government.

Guernsey Ports managing director, Ross Coppolo said:

“Our priority now is passengers who are affected over the coming days. Guernsey Ports has worked with Aurigny this evening to enable an interim schedule, which will involve some extensions to Guernsey Airport’s normal operating hours. We hope this will minimise, as best we can, any disruption to Blue Islands passengers who are most immediately impacted.”

Aurigny said it was 'deeply saddened' by Blue Islands' closure and expressed 'heartfelt thoughts' with all its staff.

The Guernsey airline announced arrangements it has made for displaced passengers:

"First, we've put temporary schedules in place between Southampton and Guernsey, and Guernsey and Jersey, initially for travel until Wednesday 19th of November.

"We're also offering special "Get Me Home" fares to help travellers affected - these can be booked via our website or app."

Nico Bezuidenhout, Chief Executive of Aurigny commented: “Aurigny’s immediate actions to help Blue Islands passengers underline our commitment to always go further in serving the people of Guernsey and always get travellers home!

“Tonight and through the weekend, the Aurigny team will be working to protect aviation interests in the Channel Islands, acting in its capacity and mission from the States of Guernsey to also be a social and economic enabler for the islands.”

The scene at Jersey Airport this morning, with all the Blue Islands check-in desks closed

At Jersey Airport this morning, the Blue Island check-in desks were closed.

Channel 103 and Island FM reporter Amelia Averis was there:

"There's a strange calm here.  The departures boar looks very empty, with the Blue Islands flights showing as cancelled. The check-in area screens are marked 'position close'.  Staff are checking which airline passengers arriving at the terminal building are flying with, and waiting to offer help to anyone affected."

Watch: Simon Calder: 'To lose one airline is unfortunate, two looks like carelessness'

Where to get advice and information:

Blue Islands – passenger advice – this page on gov.je provides advice for specific passenger groups, and for Blue Islands employees

Information for passengers affected by Blue Islands - Jersey Airport – this page on jerseyairport.com provides advice for affected passengers on how to rebook

Loganair Rescue Fares | Keeping Communities Connected – rescue fares with Loganair for affected passengers

Blue Islands: What are your rights as the regional airline ceases trading? - Jersey Consumer Council – Consumer Council advice for anyone who has purchased tickets.