Airlines will require a licence to operate Guernsey-Jersey route

Guernsey's government has classified the inter-islands air link as 'essential', meaning an airline will need a licence to operate it from mid-January.

Loganair will need permission from Guernsey's States to continue operating inter-islands flights in 2026.

After Blue Islands' collapse on Friday (14 November), Guernsey's Economic Development Committee held an impromptu Sunday meeting, concluding that the inter-islands route should be designated 'essential' from 15 January.

It means only airlines with a specific licence can operate the route, with the application process taking 'at least four weeks'.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Head of Guernsey's Economic Development Committee, says this will enable the States to set minimum service levels.

“Friday’s sudden collapse of Blue Islands was a shock to the Bailiwick.

"The Committee met yesterday [Sunday] to consider how best to provide assurance to travellers, especially over Christmas and the New Year, and also to provide longer-term resilience from 2026 onwards.

"We did so in light of significant developments during the last year with regards transport connectivity.

“This approach will support a long-term solution through a formal process, but will also enable travellers to make plans through the Christmas and New Year period – this is why we decided on the 15th January 2026 for implementation of the new arrangements."

Both the Scottish region airline Loganair and Guernsey's state-owned airline Aurigny have been operating flights between the islands since the loss of Blue Islands.

The airlines swiftly stepped in to restore lost air connections and offer rescue fares to get displaced passengers home.

Both have signalled their desire to continue with the inter-islands service longer term.

The licence requirement for Guernsey-Jersey mirrors what is demand on the Guernsey-Southampton route.

Loganair had to remove hastily advertised GSY-SOU flights over the weekend, when it was told it would need to apply for permission.

Speaking to Island FM this morning, Guernsey's Head of Policy & Resources, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, said the sudden collapse of Blue Islands took everyone by surprise:

"We realised that Blue Islands were struggling, but we were certainly surprised by the timing and the specifics, and the very sudden ceasing of operations, that did come as a complete surprise, as I understand it, to everybody in Guernsey across all parts of government and indeed operationally as well.

She said she had been impressed by the collaborate approach of Aurigny and airport and government officials in response.

"The agility and amount of effort that has gone in from so many different parts of the states.

"Aurigny have been working absolutely throughout the night, as have all the airport staff.

"I think there was minimal disruption under the circumstances, which is quite remarkable."

Asked just a short time ahead of the announcement on the need for a future license for inter-islands flights Deputy de Sausmarez would not be drawn on the question of competition or exclusivity on the routes in the future.

"I think it would be inappropriate for me to give any opinion on that, but I can say that I have been very grateful to Aurigny for stepping up in the way that they have at very short notice."

Around 30 Blue Islands staff in Guernsey are thought to be affected, with Deputy de Sausmarez saying they will be given 'as much support as humanly possible'.

We have contacted Jersey's Economic Development Minister for comment.