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Blue Islands, the airline based in the Channel Islands, has ceased operations and cancelled all upcoming flights, the company announced. Passengers have been advised not to travel to airports unless they have arranged alternative transportation. The airline, which employed around 100 people, provided services to multiple destinations within the British Isles, as well as flights to Bruges and Paris.
Elaine Millar, Jersey’s Minister for Treasury and Resources, expressed regret over the suspension of Blue Islands’ services. She emphasized that the government is collaborating with another airline to maintain “reliable and sustainable air links for the long-term.” Millar also reassured those affected—both employees and passengers—that government support is available, particularly for those based in Jersey.
The minister highlighted that contingency plans are in place to ensure essential connections will be “swiftly reinstated,” prioritizing routes crucial for medical services. She confirmed that medical transfer passengers would receive assistance from the Department of Health, and Ports of Jersey would offer guidance to individuals impacted by the cancellations. Notably, Blue Islands had borrowed £8.5 million from the Government of Jersey during the Covid-19 pandemic to sustain its operations, and a report from August revealed an outstanding capital balance of £7 million as of June, midway through the loan period.
In a statement issued on Friday, Blue Islands acknowledged the cancellation of all its flights and instructed passengers who booked directly through the airline to contact their banks or card providers for refunds. For those with bookings made through its codeshare partner, Aurigny, the airline advised contacting Aurigny directly since some flights might still be running. “We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans,” the airline said.
Blue Islands traces its origins back to 1999, when it began as Le Cocq’s Air Link, transporting perishable goods to Alderney from Bournemouth using Britten Norman Islanders. Passenger services started in 2002, and a year later, the airline adopted the trading name Rockhopper. The company was rebranded as Blue Islands in 2006, and its website indicates that the brand underwent further development in March 2020, expanding its route network
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