Loganair Anchors In The Channel Islands After Blue Islands’ Collapse
Loganair has moved swiftly to plug the gap left by Blue Islands’ sudden shutdown, launching rescue flights from November 16, 2025 and signalling plans to establish a permanent base in Jersey. The Scottish regional carrier says this is not a stopgap: it intends to stay and rebuild essential links both between Jersey and Guernsey and to the UK mainland.
What’s starting now
From November 16, Loganair is operating key former Blue Islands routes, including Jersey–Guernsey, Jersey–Exeter, Jersey–Bristol, Jersey–Southampton, and Guernsey–Southampton, with special rescue fares to help stranded passengers. Guernsey-based Aurigny has also added extra services on Guernsey–Southampton and Guernsey–Jersey to stabilize connectivity while longer-term plans are finalized.
Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah framed the move as the first step toward a durable presence in Jersey, pledging a “strong, reliable, dependable” operation and active coordination with the Government of Jersey.
ID 307272223 | Airport © André Muller | Dreamstime.com
How we got here
Blue Islands suspended trading and grounded flights on November 14, imperiling thousands of bookings and about 100 jobs. The airline, which had received an £8.5 million government loan (partly unpaid), had been a lifeline for low-density routes linking the Channel Islands with cities such as Bristol, Exeter, East Midlands, and Southampton. The collapse mirrors recent turbulence across the UK regional sector and even follows Blue Islands’ own decision earlier this year to end a codeshare with Loganair—an irony not lost on islanders now relying on Loganair’s rapid entry.
What this means for travelers
In the near term, capacity is tight and schedules are fluid. Passengers holding Blue Islands tickets should pursue refunds via card providers or agents, and rebook early on Loganair or Aurigny to secure seats on medical, business, and essential travel corridors—especially Jersey/Guernsey–Southampton and inter-island hops.
Why Loganair (and Aurigny) fit the mission
Loganair brings a flexible mixed fleet—ATR 42/72, Embraer ERJ-145, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and BN-2 Islander—well matched to short runways, maritime weather, and thin but essential demand. Aurigny’s ATR 72s and Dornier 228s complement that profile, keeping costs and emissions down while maintaining frequency on lifeline routes. Both carriers have also indicated an interest in recruiting displaced Blue Islands staff, which should speed ramp-up and preserve local know-how.
The longer-term picture
Loganair’s commitment to a Jersey base points to more than a temporary airbridge. Expect a phased transition from rescue flying to regular timetables, with aircraft and crews stationed on-island, deeper coordination with Aurigny on inter-island schedules, and capacity tuned for summer peaks and winter resiliency. For residents and businesses, that should translate into steadier fares, better day-return options to the UK, and a clearer plan for critical medical and cargo flows.
Bottom line
Loganair isn’t just filling a hole; it’s planting a flag. With rescue flights already running and a Jersey base on the way, the Channel Islands’ most vital air links look set to be restored on a stable footing—backed by fleets and operators built for exactly this kind of regional mission.
