“IT feels as though a lot of work over the last three, four years is coming to fruition,” said Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas – reflecting on the Island’s “encouraging” outlook for travel in 2026.
Among the figures providing cause for optimism is a 3% rise in air passenger numbers for the first quarter of this year in comparison to the same period in 2025.
And there are now 7% more flights available for the summer season than there were last year.
Improvement are also being seen at the Harbour, with more than 150,000 passengers already booked to travel with DFDS to and from Jersey in 2026.
Additionally, the Danish ferry operator has agreed improved schedules with St Malo port authorities, allowing up to six hours in France for day-trippers from Jersey while also providing more convenient timings for French visitors travelling to the Island.
This means there are now 90 days between May and September offering more than five hours in St Malo, compared with 37 last year.
“We have got a really strong bank of partners on the carrier side,” Mr Thomas continued.
“It really does feel as though the Island is becoming much more proactive in terms of how we promote Jersey as a destination, particularly overseas, which is leading to more resilient connectivity, but it’s [also] feeding more optimism in where I think we can grow.”
Mr Thomas noted the recently-launched Amsterdam service by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, while Aer Lingus has restarted its Dublin flights and Loganair is set to commence routes to East Midlands, Norwich, Paris and Bordeaux.
Jet2 is commencing an expanded summer programme and there are also now up to 12 flights a day from Jersey to London with easyJet’s London Southend flights.
Last year, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel confirmed that up to £2m would be mobilised via the Better Business Support Package over 2025 and 2026 to support route development, as part of an ambition to “boost” the Island’s air connectivity.
Mr Thomas said Ports was seeing “more confidence with our carriers”, revealing that a further announcement was expected this month regarding “further growth in 2027”.
“The airlines all look at each other,” he explained.
“So KLM starting services, I think some others are [thinking] ‘oh, that’s interesting’. EasyJet growing, Jet2 growing.
“We know an island like Jersey is going to shout about how good they are, but some of these big boys put in more capacity – BA is up more than 15% this year – when the likes of BA and easyJet and Jet2 and KLM start growing services, that sends a stronger message as anything that we could say.”
While Mr Thomas would not reveal whether the upcoming announcement related to a new European route, he said that it would be “great for the Island”.
“It feels like all the hard work is paying off.
“Whether that’s operationally or the interactions with our airlines, the work that we’re doing with Visit Jersey, with the Government of Jersey, with the Chamber of Commerce, with the Jersey Hospitality Association, it just feels as though all the parts are coming together.
“Things are starting to tick and, rather than maybe sort of trying to force things, it is starting to happen. We’re all speaking the same language. Everyone’s doing their bit to enable the growth to happen.”
Mr Thomas added: “Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of work that’s going to need to be done.
“I’m sure we’re going to need more visitor accommodation, so the progress that Strive are making, for instance, is great to see. But I think there’s going to be opportunities.”
Work is also continuing on a transformation of the departure lounge at Jersey Airport, which is intended to provide a raft of upgraded facilities and infrastructure that Ports has stated will “deliver a more modern and seamless customer experience”.
This includes a “Martello tower-inspired” lift connecting to a new mezzanine level with views of the runway, as well as expanded dining and shopping options.
Ashbe was appointed as the construction partner for the £10m redevelopment, which will also address critical back-of-house infrastructure that has remained largely unchanged since the terminal building was constructed in 1997.
Some of the work is due to be completed this summer, with the next major phase planned to be delivered in spring 2027.
