MORE food and retail options, dedicated quiet zones, a “cosy” family space, and views over the runway are all set to form part of a “major redesign” of Jersey Airport’s departure lounge.
Work will begin next month on the transformation that promises a “welcoming, practical, and thoughtfully designed” space.
A ‘Sunflower Room’ will also be created to support passengers who need to break away from the noise and lights of the departure lounge.
Work is being “carefully phased” to minimise impact during the peak summer months, according to Ports of Jersey which said core services like the café and World Duty Free will stay open throughout.
The first phase of the redesign will include clearing out some back-office areas to create temporary walkways for when the main construction works starts, moving seating areas to make room for the changes, and setting up a pop-up café for passengers.
The airport’s disruption desk is also set to be retired as part of the changes.
Jersey Airport’s current departure lounge has been operating for almost three decades, having originally opened in 1997.
Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas said the redesign is a “big step” in the evolution of Jersey Airport.
“The main construction works will start at the end of the summer season and last around 14-months,” he explained.
“As with any project of this scale there will be some disruption as we build a much more welcoming, efficient, and unmistakably Jersey space for travellers.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to delivering something the whole island can feel proud of.”
Another new addition to Jersey Airport is opening this later this week.
The new paid-for space will be operated by No1 Lounges and located upstairs in the departure area.
The travel hospitality firm already operates 15 airport lounges around the UK, including at London Heathrow.
Departing passengers will be able to access the lounge by using airline frequent flyer schemes, some credit cards, or by paying a walk-in fee.
Ports proposed a £65m redevelopment of Jersey Airport in 2016, but the idea was chucked out when the project team realised that savings of over £20million could be made by placing departures and arrivals in the same building.
Fresh plans for a £42m revamp of the site were proposed in 2017 and approved in 2018 – but were put on hold during the pandemic due to “uncertainty” over future cashflows.
