With around 21,000 bookings understood to be affected by Blue Islands’ demise, many passengers, understandably, have urgent questions to be answered. The JEP shares what we know so far:
What exactly has happened?
Blue Islands announced shortly before 10pm on Friday that it had suspended operations with immediate effect. This means that all flights have stopped and all future bookings have been cancelled.
The final aircraft landed in Jersey at 7.40pm that evening.
I have a Blue Islands booking. Is my flight cancelled
Yes. Every Blue Islands flight from 15 November onwards is cancelled, including inter-island services and routes to Southampton, Bristol and Exeter.
Passengers who have bookings with Blue Islands are being told not to go to the airport unless they already have an alternative booking.
Can I get a refund?
Yes – but not from the airline. You may be able to reclaim money through your credit card provider or your travel insurer.
Even if you booked with a debit card, you may still be able to get your money back by initiating a chargeback, which is available for payments of £100 or more.
Some banks or card companies may require a Negative Response Letter from aviation authorities to confirm the airline has ceased operating. The Consumer Council will make it available on their website.
When reviewing your travel insurance, check what your policy covers regarding Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) and End Supplier Failure.
Do UK/EU flight compensation rules (UK/EU 261) apply?
No. Because Blue Islands was registered in Alderney, UK/EU 261 does not apply, and this is not an ATOL-protected situation.
I’m currently outside Jersey. How do I get home?
You must rebook your own travel – neither Jersey nor Guernsey’s governments will pay for repatriation flights.
Available immediate options include British Airways and easyJet, DFDS ferries, and Loganair, which will begin its rescue fares service from Sunday 16 November on routes to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton.
Keep receipts so you can claim costs back through insurance.
I’m in Jersey and need to travel. What should I do?
You should book an alternative route by air or sea.
Loganair’s rescue services start Sunday 16 November, while other airlines and ferry operators continue to run normally.
Will Loganair take over Blue Islands’ old routes?
Loganair has already confirmed it is stepping in to run many of the former routes, including inter-island flights and services to Southampton, Bristol and Exeter.
However, Consumer Council chair Carl Walker advises if your travel is urgent or imminent (before Christmas), you should book with another airline now.
If you are travelling later, keep checking Loganair’s rescue fares page, where more routes may be added as they review capacity.
I booked a Blue Islands flight through Aurigny. What should I do?
Aurigny confirmed shortly before 6pm that it is launching a new Guernsey-Jersey route and increased the number of flights to Southampton. It is extending its ‘Get Me Home’ fares and introducing an interim schedule through 17 December.
Two daily flights to Jersey and up to three to Southampton are now available, with competitive fares and added flexibility.
I booked through a travel agent or holiday company, so who refunds me?
Contact your travel agent or tour operator. They will advise on refund or rebooking options under their own terms.
I have medical travel arranged by Health and Care Jersey. What happens now?
The Travel Office is contacting every affected patient directly, prioritising those travelling over the weekend and those with urgent clinical appointments, surgery or treatment.
If you haven’t been contacted by 5pm Monday 17 November (for travel next week) — call 01534 442323 or Hospital Switchboard on 01534 442000.
For non-urgent queries: HSS.TravelService@health.gov.je.
What support is available for Blue Islands staff?
Employment, Social Security and Housing officers will support affected employees at the government’s Union Street office. A staff briefing will be taking place on Monday 17 November at 2pm. Employees will be offered help with jobseeker registration, insolvency benefit and income support.
For more information about the fall-out, listen this Bailiwick Podcasts episode with Consumer Council Chair Carl Walker:
More in the JEP’s Blue Islands fall-out special e-edition out tonight.
