In a sudden and dramatic move, British regional airline Blue Islands has ceased all operations and cancelled every flight with immediate effect. The Channel Islands-based carrier suspended trading on Friday, November 14, 2025, leaving passengers stranded and approximately 100 employees out of work.
Immediate Fallout for Travellers
The airline's website now displays a stark message confirming that all future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled. Customers are being urgently advised, 'Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative arrangements.' The final Blue Islands flight, marking the end of an era, landed in Jersey at 7.40pm on November 14.
For those holding bookings, the process for recourse depends on how the ticket was purchased. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is directing passengers to its website for the latest updates. Selina Chadha, consumer & markets director at the UK CAA, stated: 'We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Blue Islands flights are cancelled.'
Financial Struggles and Route Network
Blue Islands, which launched in 2006 after rebranding from Rockhopper, had been a vital connector for the Channel Islands. Until its sudden closure, it operated services to seven UK airports: Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, Newcastle, and Norwich. Its network also included inter-island flights between Jersey and Guernsey, as well as international routes to destinations like Paris and Belgium.
The airline's financial difficulties were public knowledge. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government provided an £8.5 million loan to keep the company afloat. A report from August 2025 revealed that a significant £7,000,000 of this debt remained outstanding, highlighting the persistent financial pressures that ultimately led to its demise.
What Passengers Need to Do Now
The airline has issued specific guidance for affected customers:
- Passengers who booked directly with Blue Islands are advised to contact their bank or credit card provider to seek a refund.
- Those who booked through a travel agent should contact the agent directly for guidance and rebooking options.
- For bookings made with codeshare partner Aurigny for travel on a Blue Islands flight, travellers have been told to contact Aurigny directly, as their flight may still be operating.
In a statement, the airline expressed that it 'deeply regret[s] the inconvenience' caused to its customers. Meanwhile, Jersey’s Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar, indicated that the government is now focused on ensuring the island secures 'reliable and sustainable air links for the long-term.'
The collapse of Blue Islands is part of a worrying trend for the regional aviation sector, coming shortly after similar failures at Eastern Airways and Icelandic carrier Fly Play.
