MORE frequent flights to Amsterdam and a new route to Bordeaux have led to continued growth in air passenger numbers, Ports of Jersey has said.
The States-owned entity said that more than 158,000 passengers travelled through Jersey Airport in July, representing a 4.5% increase when compared to the same month last year.
It noted that, from 4 July, KLM had increased the frequency of its flights to Amsterdam from a weekly to a daily service – a schedule set to continue until 30 August.
And, following the launch of Loganair’s Bordeaux route in late June, July was the first full month in which Jersey benefited from up to six flights a week to France.
This also includes the Scottish carrier’s service to Paris, as well as Finistair’s Brest route.
Ports’ head of connectivity, Paul Holley, said that “strong year-round connectivity is essential for Island life” adding that it supported “both our community and economy”.
He continued: “During the summer months, we see a particularly welcome increase in travel opportunities, with more routes, more flights and greater choice for Islanders.”
Mr Holley’s comments come not long after Economic Development Minister Gerald Voisin said that options for further funding to help Ports attract new airlines and services were being explored.
The minister outlined hopes to build on the progress achieved by a grant of up to £2m intended to assist route development – included within the Better Business Support Package – which his predecessor Deputy Kirsten Morel had previously announced was being mobilised over 2025 and 2026.
Mr Holley said: “Whether it’s direct services to popular holiday destinations, connections into major European cities, or increased links with the UK, these services provide greater choice and strengthen Jersey’s accessibility from across the UK and Europe supporting our visitor economy.”
Meanwhile, sailings operated by DFDS, Islands Unlimited and Manche Îles Express contributed to an overall increase in July sea passengers of 2% compared to a year earlier.
Bolstered demand on DFDS’s St Malo route was among the improvements highlighted – with a year-on-year rise of 16%.
Ports noted that last month’s air and sea passenger figures maintained “positive momentum” documented in the first half of 2026.
This included a 1.9% year-on-year growth in travellers passing through Jersey Airport during the second quarter of the year, alongside a 7.9% jump in sea passengers.
Deputy Morel said he was “convinced that Jersey’s economic success lies in excellent connectivity with Europe and the UK”, adding that he was “delighted things have gone well this year”.
He added: “I hope we see this maintained long into the future and I would also encourage Islanders to keep using these services.”
