Blue Leaving Islands, a long-standing carrier serving the Channel Islands and regional UK routes, has collapsed and halted all operations with immediate effect, leaving thousands of passengers unable to travel and prompting urgent intervention from authorities and rival airlines. The Jersey-based operator, which had flown for nearly 20 years and employed around 100 people, confirmed on Friday that it had ceased trading and cancelled all future flights.
The airline, operating a fleet of five ATR-72 aircraft, connected Jersey to key UK destinations including Bristol, Exeter and Southampton. Although headquartered in Guernsey, it played a central role in maintaining essential air connectivity for island residents, particularly outside peak travel seasons.
Passengers Urged Not to Travel as Airline Website Issues Notice
In a statement published on its website, the collapsed carrier told customers:
“Blue Islands has suspended trading effective 14 November 2025. All future flights have been cancelled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative arrangements.”
Travellers who booked directly with the airline have been advised to seek refunds through their bank or card issuer. Those who booked via partner airline Aurigny or through travel agents were directed to contact those providers for updated guidance.
Government Funding and Financial Troubles Under Scrutiny
Blue Islands had previously received £8.5 million in financial support from the Jersey government, though an August 2025 report revealed that approximately £7 million of that amount remained unpaid. Jersey’s Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar, expressed disappointment at the collapse, saying her priority was to support affected employees and ensure immediate assistance for disrupted passengers.
Millar emphasized the critical importance of stable air links for island communities and confirmed that contingency plans had already been put in motion. “Government is working with an alternative airline to ensure Jersey retains reliable and sustainable air connections,” she said.
Other Carriers Step In to Fill the Gap
In response to the sudden grounding, both Aurigny and Loganair announced temporary flight additions to help stranded passengers. Loganair is launching emergency routes from Jersey to Guernsey, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton starting Sunday, as well as a Guernsey–Southampton service. Aurigny has introduced extra flights on the Southampton–Guernsey and Guernsey–Jersey routes through mid-week.
Both airlines confirmed they would offer special fares to aid travellers impacted by the cancellations. “We understand this is a worrying time for those hoping to travel,” Loganair said, while Aurigny noted it was “deeply saddened” by Blue Islands’ downfall and committed to supporting affected customers.
Second Regional Airline Collapse in Three Weeks
Blue Islands’ shutdown comes less than three weeks after another regional carrier, Eastern Airways, ceased operations on 28 October — a development that has raised concerns about the financial resilience of the UK’s regional air transport sector.
Ports of Jersey described the collapse as “another sad day for regional aviation,” praising Blue Islands’ nearly two-decade history of providing essential year-round services for Channel Island communities.
The sudden collapse has renewed calls for stronger financial safeguards and resilience planning for small regional airlines that provide lifeline routes to island and rural communities.
Source:Africa Publicity
