PASSENGERS have reacted with dismay and anger at Ports of Jersey plans to turn the free upstairs atrium in Jersey Airport into a “premium” paid-for lounge.
Access to the current upstairs lounge has already been restricted as work on the renovation begins.
Ports said an “alternative” quiet space would be provided upstairs at the Airport, separate from the lounge, which will be operated by travel hospitality firm No1 Lounges.
A JEP post on social media was flooded with almost 200 comments within a day from concerned Islanders, including families with young children who described the atrium as a “lifesaver” during delays.
One Islander labelled the plans “absolutely greedy and shameful”.
A second Islander wondered “why that lovely haven of calm was not accessible”, while another said: “Why make this area premium? It should be accessible to everyone. Ports of Jersey, you’ve made a bad error here.”
A fourth Islander commented: “The atrium was a lifesaver for us during an eight-hour delay, stuck in the Airport with two toddlers – one with additional needs!
“I think I would have left the Airport had we not have had that space and the support from the ground staff that day.”
