Blue Islands, the regional airline based in the Channel Islands, has stopped flying. Late on Friday night, November 14, the airline announced: “All future flights operated by Blue Islands have been cancelled. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have made alternative travel arrangements.
We deeply regret the inconvenience this causes to your travel plans.”
Prior to its collapse, Blue Islands operated a fleet of five ATR 72 aircraft. “We proudly remain an independent regional airline, focused on serving our communities and simplifying regional flying,” the airline said.
Thousands of passengers have reservations with the now-defunct airline. These are the key questions and answers.
Where were the blue islands?
The origin of this airline can be traced back to 1999. The company was created as Le Cocq Airlines – a cargo airline delivering fresh produce from Bournemouth Airport to the Channel Island of Alderney. Three years later, it began carrying passengers on the same route using the Britten Norman Islander.
It was renamed Rockhopper in 2003 and Blue Islands in 2006.
For four years since 2016, the Blue Isles have flown the Flybe colors. But after the Flybe debacle in March 2020, the carrier returned to its original state. It promises “extended route network, new website and app”. Its motto was “Blue Islands – The Welcome Difference”.
To keep flying during and after the Covid pandemic, the Jersey Government has loaned Blue Isles £8.5m. By August 2025, £7m of debt remained.
What routes did the blue islands fly?
The airline was based in Guernsey and operated inter-island flights from there to Jersey as well as Southampton.
The main route network connected Jersey with UK airports. It was a key link to Southampton and back. Other routes included Bristol, East Midlands and Exeter. A Southampton-Leeds-Bradford service was planned from spring 2026, along with seasonal flights to Dublin, Newcastle, Paris and Ostend.
Blue Isles was due to start flying between London Gatwick and Newquay in Cornwall on November 23 on behalf of Skybus. Skybus still plans to resume service on the former Eastern Airways route as scheduled, with a replacement aircraft replacing the original Blue Isles aircraft that had been scheduled.
I have a flight ticket to the Blue Islands. Does it get up?
no “All flights to the Blue Islands are now cancelled, so please do not go to the airport as flights will not operate and customers are asked to make alternative travel arrangements,” the civil aviation authority said.
If you’ve flown one leg and are waiting to return – for example, flying from Southampton to Jersey with a return flight – you’ll need to find an alternative.
Aurigny, Guernsey’s airline, has operated additional flights between the island and Southampton as well as additional inter-island services between November 15 and 18. The fixed fare between Guernsey and Jersey is £50. To and from Southampton is £80.
Loganair will take over the main Blue Isles routes from Sunday 16 November. These include:
Loganair is offering a £80 one-way ‘rescue fare’ (baggage included) for people who can show they have a Blue Isles booking. Reservations are not automatically transferred to Loganair. You must purchase a new ticket and seek a refund for the original Blue Islands flights.
How can I get a refund for a forward booking?
If you booked directly with Blue Islands using a credit or debit card, contact the card issuer (usually just by dialing the number on the back of the card).
For tickets costing £100 or more and bought with a credit card, you must be able to get a cashback under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This law obligates the card issuer jointly with the airline responsible for providing the agreed service or reimbursement.
If you’ve paid by debit or charge card, or paid less than £100 by credit card, you’re likely to get your money back under a ‘chargeback’ policy – a voluntary version of the same principle.
Travelers who booked through a travel agent should contact them for a refund. If you purchased with PayPal, you should contact that company.
What about additional costs for my trip?
If you have travel insurance that includes cover for planned airline breakdown (known as SAFI), contact your insurer – they may be able to fit the bill. But usually such coverage only applies to international travel.
Will I receive compensation for a canceled Blue Islands flight?
no If you have a valid claim for compensation for a previously canceled or delayed Blue Isles flight from the UK to the Channel Islands, you have just become an unsecured creditor and are unlikely to be paid. The same applies to any outstanding fee claims.
Air passenger rights rules for canceled flights do not apply to future flights in the event of airline closures.
Read more: Blue Islands will be closed
