Regional airline Blue Islands has ceased trading with immediate effect, grounding its entire fleet and cancelling all future flights. The sudden collapse, announced on Friday, 14th November 2025, has left passengers stranded and scrambling for alternative travel arrangements.
Airline Grounded: What Happened?
Based in Jersey, Blue Islands employed approximately 100 people and operated a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft. The carrier served a network of key routes, including inter-island flights to Guernsey and connections to several UK and European destinations such as Bristol, Dublin, East Midlands, Exeter, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich, Ostend-Bruges, Paris, and Southampton.
The airline's website now displays a stark message confirming the suspension of trading and the cancellation of all flights. It urgently advises customers: "Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements."
Rescue Efforts and Passenger Advice
In response to the crisis, rival airlines Aurigny and Loganair have stepped in to assist stranded travellers. Loganair has announced it will launch new services from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton, as well as from Guernsey to Southampton, starting from Sunday, 16th November.
Similarly, Aurigny has introduced additional flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes, initially until Wednesday. Both carriers are offering special rescue fares for passengers holding now-useless Blue Islands tickets.
The Government of Jersey is advising affected passengers to first check their travel insurance policies or credit card cover for compensation. For those trying to return to Jersey from the UK, the government has indicated there are "enough spare seats" on British Airways and easyJet flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports until Sunday. Further options are available from London Luton, Birmingham, and Manchester airports, with ferry services from Portsmouth also operating.
What Passengers Need to Do Now
If you booked directly with Blue Islands, you are urged to contact your bank or card provider to seek a refund. For bookings made through codeshare partner Aurigny but travelling on a Blue Islands flight, contact Aurigny directly. The airline has confirmed that some of its own services may still be operating. Customers who booked via a travel agent or holiday company should contact them directly for advice and rebooking.
The sudden demise of Blue Islands serves as a stark reminder of the volatility within the regional aviation sector and underscores the importance of understanding passenger rights when booking travel.
