Airlines Race To Rescue Stranded Blue Islands Passengers
It’s been a chaotic and emotional time for travellers across the Channel Islands after Blue Islands suddenly collapsed, suspending all operations and cancelling every single flight. The news broke late on Friday, and by then more than a thousand passengers had already been thrown into uncertainty. Many had weekend plans, family events, medical appointments, or simply needed to get home — and all those arrangements were instantly disrupted.
Blue Islands, which had been operating for over two decades and employing around 100 staff, announced on its website that trading had been suspended effective 14 November, and that all future flights were cancelled. Customers were urged not to go to the airport unless they had arranged alternative transportation. The collapse reportedly came just hours after the airline had still been advertising for new staff, which made the announcement even more shocking.
But within hours of the shutdown, other airlines started stepping in. Aurigny and Loganair moved quickly to offer what they called “rescue flights” — extra services at special fares to help get stranded passengers moving again. Loganair introduced flights connecting Jersey with Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton, starting as early as Sunday. Aurigny added services between Guernsey, Jersey, and Southampton, initially through Wednesday, with the promise to keep evaluating demand.
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Both airlines said they understood how stressful the situation was and were doing everything they could to fill the immediate gaps. Loganair even hinted that this could open the door for a long-term operating base in Jersey, potentially replacing some of the lost capacity left behind by Blue Islands.
On the ground, airport teams were working through the night. Jersey Airport’s operations director said staff were coordinating closely with Loganair to make sure flights could run smoothly and that passengers wouldn’t be left stranded any longer than necessary. Many travellers praised hotel staff, airport workers, and airline crews for helping them rebook at all hours.
Behind the scenes, financial strain appears to have built up over time. Blue Islands had borrowed £8.5 million from the Government of Jersey during the pandemic to keep essential routes running, but officials confirmed there was a limit to how much more support could be offered. By the time discussions broke down, the airline still owed around £7 million. With no additional funding available, operations had to be halted immediately.
For locals, tourism operators, and businesses, the collapse is being described as a major setback — especially since Blue Islands had been the primary airline linking the Channel Islands with each other and with parts of the UK. Travel experts warn that the loss highlights how fragile regional aviation has become, with several small carriers struggling in recent years.
For now, the priority is simply getting everyone where they need to be. And thanks to the rapid response from Aurigny and Loganair, at least some sense of normalcy is beginning to return to the islands’ skies.
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