Loganair has moved quickly to step in following the collapse of Jersey-based Blue Islands airline, announcing it will begin rescue flights from 16 November 2025 — and signaling plans to establish a long-term base in Jersey. The Scottish regional carrier said it will operate routes previously served by Blue Islands, offering “rescue fares” on key services, according to the BBC News.
The collapse of Blue Islands has raised serious concerns over the crucial air connectivity for the Channel Islands. With Aurigny also stepping in to provide interim services, Loganair’s intervention is widely seen as vital to maintaining links both between the islands and to the UK mainland.
Loganair And Aurigny Come To The Rescue
Loganair will operate flights on routes that were once the backbone of Blue Islands’ network, including Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton, as well as Guernsey to Southampton, starting 16 November. These flights are being offered at special rescue fares, designed to help stranded Blue Islands passengers.
In the meantime, Aurigny, the Guernsey-based airline, has added flights between Guernsey and Southampton, as well as between Guernsey and Jersey, to support the Channel Islands while the longer-term picture is being worked out.
Loganair’s chief executive, Luke Farajallah, said the quick response isn’t a stopgap. It will ultimately lead to the establishment of a new, permanent operating base in Jersey, along with a guarantee of continuing passenger travel between the islands and the mainland UK. He told the BBC the following:
“We’re coming, there will be another airline established very quickly in Jersey…we’re looking forward to working with the Government of Jersey and to demonstrate to the people of Jersey what a strong, reliable, dependable airline can look like.”
What Happened To Blue Islands?
The collapse of Blue Islands, which employed around 100 people, has thrown the Channel Islands’ air links into disarray. Blue Islands officially suspended trading on 14 November 2025, canceling all future flights. According to the Jersey Evening Post, the airline’s financial troubles had been mounting: it had previously received an £8.5 million loan from the Jersey government, part of which remained unpaid.
Around 100 jobs are now at risk, although both Loganair and Aurigny have expressed interest in hiring some of the former staff. Regional aviation in the UK can be fragile, and the loss of a local operator like Blue Islands often leaves communities exposed. Analysts suggest that Loganair’s commitment to stepping in could fill a critical gap — especially on lifeline services such as the medical route to Southampton.
The move is all the more striking given that earlier this year, Blue Islands ended its codeshare agreement with Loganair, making the sudden full-scale takeover of its routes quite a turnaround.
Key Facts About Loganair And Aurigny
Loganair, a regional airline from Scotland, has a well-established and versatile fleet, ideally suited for the kind of regional and island services now under its expanded remit. According to data from Planespotters.net, its fleet includes ATR 42s and ATR 72s, Embraer ERJ-145 jets, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters, and Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders, totaling around 36 aircraft. This mix allows Loganair to serve both short, remote airstrips (with Twin Otters and Islanders) and longer regional hops (with ATRs and Embraers).
Aurigny, based on the neighboring Island of Guernsey, meanwhile, operates a more unified fleet that supports both efficiency and sustainability. According to its 2024 annual report, Aurigny has five ATR 72 (three owned, two leased) and two Dornier 228 aircraft for island hops and medevac duties.
The ATR-72s are particularly efficient: Aurigny has noted that they are 36% more fuel-efficient than comparable-sized regional jets, helping to drive down both costs and emissions. Channel Islands residents shouldn’t worry as both airlines will maintain the crucial air connection with the mainland UK.
