A NEW twice-weekly service to Bournemouth is to be operated by Jet2 from next summer.
The airline will also be expanding some of its existing routes from the Island, with an extra weekly flight to Newcastle and an extended season to Leeds Bradford and East Midlands due to offer 50% more seats in 2026 compared to 2025.
The news, which has been hailed by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel as a “welcome investment in Jersey’s connectivity”, comes less than two months after Blue Islands announced direct flights to Paris starting in May this year.
Deputy Morel has previously stated that the government would “mobilise up to £2m over the next two years” through its Better Business Support Package to assist the development of new air routes.
The service to Bournemouth is expected to provide more than 7,000 seats for Islanders and visitors.
Ports of Jersey’s chief operating officer, Stephen King, said that Jet2’s decision to expand its routes and capacity “provides a major boost for connectivity, tourism, and the local economy”.
“We plan to maintain the resilience of our air links, with backing from Government’s support package, and develop our connectivity through the kinds of productive partnerships that we have established with the airlines that serve Jersey,” he continued.
“We’re proud to work with Jet2 and look forward to building on this partnership to deliver even more choice and convenience for both Islanders and visitors.”
Deputy Morel added: “I know that Ports of Jersey and Visit Jersey will be working with Jet2 and our local hospitality industry to make the most of this opportunity and deliver a further boost to this important sector.”
Visit Jersey chief executive Tricia Warwick also described the move as “a significant boost for the Island and our visitor economy”.
She said: “Connectivity is crucial for Jersey, and this expanded access will make it easier for more visitors to experience our beautiful Island.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with Jet2 and Ports of Jersey to further strengthen Jersey’s position as a visitor destination.”
