WHETHER skiing or sunbathing is your thing, two local travel companies have announced flights that will cater to your tastes.
C. I. Travel Group has launched its programme of weekly direct flights for next summer to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Majorca, Malaga on Spain’s Costa del Sol and Faro on Portugal’s Algarve coast.
Their announcement comes after a summer for the travel company which saw “growth in passenger volumes” over a quarter and “overwhelming” support for flights to these destinations.
Meanwhile, Jersey skiers will be able to fly direct to Grenoble in France this winter as Blue Islands expands its partnership with Channel Islands tour operator Allez Ski.
These flights will operate every Saturday from 21 December to 15 February.
Grenoble serves as the “gateway” to the French Alps, the airline said in a statement, including the resorts of Val d’Isère, Tignes, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Avoriaz and Morzine. The closest resorts are Chamrousse, Les 7 Laux and Alpe d’Huez.
“Depart Jersey and arrive in the Alps two hours later and enjoy easy access to some of the world’s best ski resorts,” said Rob Veron, Blue Islands chief executive.
He added: “We have been proudly partnering with Allez Ski to provide its charter flights from Jersey and Guernsey to the slopes since 2018.
“Whether it’s Christmas, New Year, February half-term, or prime skiing in January or early February, we’re excited to increase to a nine-week season of direct flights to Grenoble this winter, and offer a flight-only option.”
As winter melts into spring, Islanders can then jet off for some sun between May and October as C. I. Travel Group’s summer programme kicks off.
The company said that it recognises that for many families, holiday costs will usually be higher during the summer school holidays, and it has increased child discounts to up to £100 on return flights or holidays in July and August.
More than 6,000 seats are available on the flights, which are operated by British Airways CityFlyer.
Robert Mackenzie, C.I. Travel Group’s managing director, said: “The continued support we receive from Islanders for these direct flights is quite overwhelming and our summer 2025 programme focuses on those destinations that have proved to be so popular in previous years.”
Matt Thomas, chief executive of Ports Jersey, said the direct flights “enhance our connectivity to Europe”.
“Establishing and maintaining strong connectivity is vital for both island residents and our economy,” he said.
lAn interview with Mr Mackenzie will appear in Wednesday’s edition of The Business.
