Blue Islands Airline Suspends Operations After 26 Years: What Travellers Must Know

Blue Islands airline has officially suspended all of its operations, including cancelling flights with immediate effect, in a major setback for regional aviation. Moreover, the sudden shutdown has shocked travellers across the Channel Islands, the UK, and Europe, especially at a time when multiple regional and low-cost carriers have already collapsed in 2025.

This development comes just a week after the unexpected collapse of the UK-based Eastern Airways. Hence, these incidents have raised urgent questions about the financial stability of the regional airlines. 

Blue Islands Airline Confirms Complete Shutdown

Blue Island Airlines was a key carrier for Jersey and Guernsey. However, the company announced on the 14th of November that “We regret to inform you that Blue Island has stopped trading on 14 November 2025. All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled.”

The airline also advised passengers not to travel to the Airport unless they had already arranged alternative travel. Shockingly, the shutdown occurred just one day after the airline had advertised job vacancies, including roles for pilots, engineers, and cabin crew managers.

Government Support Ends – £7 Million Still Owed

The airline survived for many years through government subsidies. During the pandemic, the  Government of Jersey loaned the airline £8.5 million to maintain lifeline services, of which £7 million was still unpaid.

Despite constructive discussion, the government reportedly informed the airline that it could no longer give further support. Hence, it triggers immediate collapse. Local officials also had long expressed the concern that the airline was unable to become independently profitable. 

A Major Blow to Isolated Communities

Blue Islands has operated essential flights connecting Jersey and Guernsey to the following destinations:

• Southampton
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Exeter
• Dublin
• Newcastle
• Norwich
• Paris
• Bruges

This airline was the primary or only regional operator for many of these routes. Hence, the collapse has affected the following communities:

• Patients travelling to the UK for medical treatment
• Business travelers
• Students and essential workers
• Tourists visiting the Channel Islands

Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) has confirmed that they are contacting patients whose UK  clinical appointments might be disrupted. 

Rescue Flights Activated by Aurigny & Loganair

After the Blue Island Airline shutdown, the regional airline Aurigny has stepped up to support the stranded passengers. Below is the rescue plan of this airline:

• 10 extra flights between Guernsey ↔ Southampton
• 8 extra flights between Guernsey ↔ Jersey
• Special lower fares for travel until Friday

Aurigny has also confirmed an interim schedule through 17 December. Hence, they will offer the following flights:

• 2 flights per day (except Friday & Sunday) on Guernsey–Jersey
• 2–3 flights per day on Guernsey–Southampton

On the other hand, Scottish airline Loganair issued rescue fares for selected routes.

A Year of Airline Bankruptcies

Blue Airline has joined the growing list of collapsed airlines in 2025. Below is the complete list:

• Spirit Airlines – filed Chapter 11 (second time) in August
• Ravn Alaska – ceased operations in August
• Corporate Air – filed for restructuring in September
• Verijet – Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October
• Kachina Air – filed Chapter 11 on 24 October

Experts have called it a sign of a global regional airline crisis. 

What Affected Passengers Should Do

The Blue Islands does not have the capacity to process refunds for those who have booked their flight tickets with this airline before. However, those individuals can follow the following steps:

• Contact their bank or credit card provider
• Reach out to their travel agent or tour operator
• Avoid going to the airport

If you are stuck somewhere, you can follow the following steps:

• Book with Aurigny, Blue Islands’ former codeshare partner
• Check Loganair’s rescue fares
• Monitor new schedules announced for the winter season

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